Values and ethics as upstream determinants of population health The Earth Charter at the local level

Deeper understandings about the decline in the integrity of living systems continue in rapid succession. These understandings are based on the accumulating body of evidence about the modifiable impacts of the human enterprise on Earth’s life-sustaining ecosystems. Because local context is critical to both interpreting and applying evidence, in this chapter we focus on the relevance of universal values and ethical principles – foundational to The Earth Charter and adaptable at the local level – as upstream determinants to aid in accelerating the needed transitions. Practical examples of governance in Mexico and Brazil, and from universities in Spain, Greece, and the USA, are provided to demonstrate the utility of The Earth Charter, certainly as an educational instrument, in helping humanity align itself with a better understanding of individual and collective rights and duties to achieve the needed transitions to a path of sustainability. Encouragement is provided for the discipline of epidemiology to aid in the needed transitions by linking upstream determinants of health and well-being to downstream effects. Gaining an appreciation for the foundational role of values and ethics in all policies relating to human governance is relevant for effecting needed changes in the human enterprise for a sustainable path forward. Concerned for both present and future generations, humanity would be wise to seriously escalate transitioning from its current unsustainable trajectory to a preferred path of sustainability. All professions are urged to bring their expertise to bear, with local community oversight, and at all levels of governance, for the challenges ahead.