Celebrating Earth Day

On this Earth Day, we should remind ourselves of our collective responsibility to protect and cherish our planet. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation is proud to republish a text by our 2020 Mentor, Bob Haverluck (originally published October 24, 2022).

His thought-provoking piece, titled “Behold the Earth Who Holds Us,” encourages us to go beyond mere observation and engage in a deeper form of seeing. Haverluck delved into the intricate relationship between humanity and the environment, emphasizing the profound connections that bind us to the Earth. He reminded us that every action we take, no matter how small, has an impact on the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems.

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, where words like “innovative,” “faster,” and “more” often accompany technological solutions, Haverluck reminds us to pause and recognize our lived context. We must navigate complexities to discern ethical actions.

Ethics, according to Haverluck, is inseparable from our ethos—our dwelling place. It involves negotiating desirable actions with our habitat. To truly see the Earth, we must hold it with respect