The Five Articles

Article I

Each generation has the right to inherit a healthy Earth where they can develop their culture and social bonds as a member of one intergenerational family, and each generation has a corresponding responsibility to accord a similar right to future generations.

Article II

All generations, sharing in the estate and heritage of the Earth, have a duty as trustees for future generations to use resources with forethought and responsibility, to honour life on Earth, and to protect human freedom.

Article III

In fulfilling the duty owed to future generations, it is the paramount responsibility of each generation to be prudent and constantly vigilant to ensure that humankind’s harm to life on Earth, including biodiversity and the balance of nature, is minimized.

Article IV

All appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that the rights of future generations are protected and not sacrificed for the expedience and convenience of the present generation.

Article V

The rights of future generations have a claim on the conscience of all peoples. To foster a culture that promotes respect for individuals, society, and the environment, every person is challenged to imaginatively implement these principles as if in the very presence of those future generations whose rights we seek to perpetuate.