A growing movement is challenging one of the deepest assumptions in Western thought, which is that nature is inert.
Around the globe, climate activists, indigenous communities, and legal scholars are pushing a new framework, which is one that recognizes rivers, forests, glaciers, and other natural systems as living beings with rights of their own.
This idea, while radical in the context of mainstream environmental policy, is grounded in many indigenous worldviews and is becoming a powerful legal and philosophical tool in the climate fight.
Countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia, and New Zealand have already enshrined the “Rights of Nature” into their laws, allowing ecosystems to be defended in court much like people. In other places, communities are working to expand this concept to prevent environmental destruction from activities like mining, fracking, and damming.
The approach also calls on us to shift our perception, moving beyond the belief that humans are separate from and superior to the natural world. As climate disasters intensify and ecosystems react with startling force, more people are beginning to view nature not as a backdrop but as an active participant in our shared story.
At the heart of this shift is a call for deeper connection and respect. It’s not just about assigning legal protections. It’s also about seeing the Earth as animated, meaningful, and worthy of care.
Several .earth organizations are supportive of the idea that the Earth is a sentient being:
- Rescue.Earth: This organization believes we need to show gratitude back to the Earth – with a prayer from the heart before a meal, or helping a stranger, or planting – there are many ways to honor the Earth for life itself. Learn more here.
- Monad.Earth: This organization has an app that helps you reconnect with natural, biological time. Learn more here.
- TheRightsofLivingThings.Earth: The Rights of Living Things is a short declaration that describes life in all its variety, its entitlements, and the conduct of those who have most influence over its care. Learn more here.
- Atmos.Earth: Here Ferris Jabr, author of the book, Becoming Earth: How Our Planet Came to Life, speaks with Atmos about the planet’s dynamic history and uncertain future. Learn more here.
Does your organization support the idea that the Earth is a living being? The .earth web domain is ideal for enhancing your brands and communicating your mission of creating a safer planet through platforms for social and environmental activism.
To help you accomplish this, the .earth web domain and its registrar partners are offering special pricing for one-year registrations of standard .earth domain names starting at under $10.00 USD – from April 22, 2025 to June 30, 2025
To learn more about the .earth domain, visit Voices.Earth. In addition, many organizations and individuals are sharing their voices about the benefits of a .earth domain in our Voices.Earth podcast series.
