BRIEF SUMMARY

The theme of The Earth Charter and Our Common Future in Hartford CT centered on the role of Connecticut individuals and institutions in improving the conjecture that there is only a "50-50 chance" that civilization will survive the 21st Century (in Martin Rees' thoughtful 2003 book Our Final Hour).

A masterful and penetrating keynoter on "Time for an Environmental Revolution" by Yale University's Dean James G. Speth (formerly Founder and President of the World Resources Institute and recently Director General of the United Nations Development Programme) concluded that what is needed now is "a fundamental transition … [to] new habits of thought - a new world view … Nothing expresses and captures this new world view better that the Earth Charter and especially its eloquent Preamble."

Speth's keynote address was followed by a panel discussion of timely initiatives now under way by academia, business and industry, government, nongovernmental organizations, young people, and faith communities. Connecticut Public Television President Jerry Franklin moderated the Panel.

A spirited exchange by 120 participants (generously enriched with young people) followed the keynote address and panel discussion. The conclusion was reached that Rees's expectations for civilization in the 21st Century can be improved by developing a mechanism (possibly the emerging website, www.ourcommonfure.org) to link the imaginative and diverse initiatives now being pursued.

The symposium was held in the beautiful Hoffman Auditorium on the campus of Saint Joseph College in West Hartford. Saint Joseph President, Winifred Coleman, welcomed the participants. The event was jointly sponsored by Saint Joseph College and the InterReligious Eco-Justice Network