In 1993, members of Green Parties across Europe formed the European Federation of Green Parties, which came to include members from twenty-nine European countries. The federation also made global connections with parties in Australia, Taiwan, the United States, and elsewhere in the world. In 2004, the federation formally became the European Green Party, which in 2006 adopted a charter endorsing not only environmental responsibility but a range of other values as well. Following is the opening statement of the charter. Even as it was written, the charter became outdated, for in 2006 China passed the United States as the world’s leading emitter of greenhouse gases.

The European Greens proudly stand for the sustainable development of humanity on planet Earth, a mode of development respectful of human rights and built upon the values of environmental responsibility, freedom, justice, diversity and non-violence.

Green political movements emerged in Europe while the continent was divided by the Cold War and amidst the energy crises of the mid-seventies. At that time, it became clear that the pattern of economic development was unsustainable and was putting the planet and its inhabitants in grave environmental, social and economic dangers. Existing political parties were incapable of dealing with this challenge.

Our origins lie in many social movements: environmentalists and anti-nuclear activists concerned with the growing damages to our planet; non-violent peace activists promoting alternative ways to resolve conflicts; feminists, struggling for real equality between women and men; freedom and human rights movements fighting against dictatorial and authoritarian regimes; third-world solidarity movements supporting the end of colonization and more economically balanced relations between the North and the South of our planet; activists campaigning against poverty and for social justice within our own societies.

Question to Consider

What examples about the social and political situations around the world do the charter’s authors provide to show the importance of their cause?