1. What is Earth law?

Earth law is the emerging body of transformative law aiming to protect and restore the Earth's life and life-support systems. It shifts the legal focus from human-centric (anthropocentric) to ecosystem-centric, ensuring the protection of the planet's ecosystems and species. Earth law movements include the Rights of Nature, Inherent Relationship Jurisprudence and other Indigenous legal models, human environmental rights, legal guardianships of Nature, rights of future generations, animal rights, and more. 

2. What does Earth Law Center do?

Earth Law Center provides expertise on laws, policies, and governance systems that recognize and protect Nature’s rights. We collaborate with communities, governments, Indigenous Peoples, and organizations to create policies, provide education, and promote global advocacy for ecocentric reforms and environmental justice. We also educate a new generation of leaders in Earth law.

3. How does Earth law differ from environmental law?

While environmental law focuses on regulating human activities to minimize harm to the environment (and is often co-opted by those doing the harm), Earth law emphasizes the legal recognition of Nature's rights and affirms Nature’s value beyond human use. Earth law encourages us to move away from “sustainable” damage as a legal standard and to shift our view of other species from property to fellow members of the Earth community.

4. Why are Nature’s rights important?

Granting legal rights to Nature helps ensure ecosystems and species are protected for their intrinsic value, not just their utility to humans. It provides a legal framework to challenge actions that harm ecosystems and promotes ecological balance, relationality, and reciprocity. Rights of Nature also enables legal guardians to give a formal voice to the natural world. 

5. Where has Earth law been implemented?

Earth law has been adopted in various forms around the world. For example:

• Ecuador: The first country to recognize the Rights of Nature in its Constitution, leading the way for Latin America to become the most active region in the world for this movement.

• New Zealand: The Whanganui River and two other large ecosystems have been granted legal personhood.

• United States: Several local governments and Tribal Nations have passed ordinances recognizing the rights of ecosystems.

6. How can I support the Earth Law Center?

You can support us in several ways:

• Donate: Your contributions help fund our advocacy and education programs.

• Stay Updated: Sign up for our biweekly newsletter.

• Spread the Word: Share our mission and resources with your network.

• Advocate Locally: Work with your community to promote Earth law policies.

• Volunteer: We offer several pathways to get involved with ELC.

• Join Our Annual Summer Course: A comprehensive overview of the history and state of the field.

7. Who can partner with the Earth Law Center?

We partner with:

• Governments and municipalities

• Indigenous Peoples

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

• Legal professionals and academics

• Community groups and activists. 

• If you are interested in partnering with us, please contact us at info@earthlaw.org. 

8. How can I learn more about Earth law?

Visit our Resources section for articles, case studies, and toolkits. You can also subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and educational materials.

9. Does Earth law conflict with human rights?

No, Earth law complements human rights by promoting a healthy and sustainable planet, which is essential for human well-being. The Earth law movement is in constant dialogue with human rights and includes such fields as Indigenous Earth law, the right to a healthy environment, and the rights of future generations.

10. Can I apply Earth law principles in my community?

Absolutely! We provide guidance and resources to help communities implement Earth law principles. Reach out to us for assistance in drafting local ordinances or organizing advocacy efforts: info@earthlaw.org.

11. What educational programs does Earth Law Center offer?

We offer workshops, webinars, and training sessions for individuals, organizations, and legal professionals. Check our Education page for upcoming opportunities.

12. How is the Earth Law Center funded?

We are funded through grants, donations, educational program fees, and partnerships with like-minded organizations and individuals. Your support is critical to advancing our mission.

13. What impact has Earth Law Center made so far?

Since our founding, we have:

• Advanced ecocentric legal initiatives in 20+ countries and at the United Nations.

• Helped secure rights recognition for 10+ ecosystems in the Americas.

• Co-created the first ever Board Seat for Nature at a company.

• Co-wrote and edited the first law school coursebook on Earth law.

• And much more.

14. How can I contact the Earth Law Center?

You can reach us through our Contact Us page or email us at info@earthlaw.org.