The United States Constitution is silent when it comes to protecting the natural environment, the climate, and the rights of future generations.
We can change that.
Introducing A U.S. ConstitutionaL Amendment that safeguards the climate, and protects the rights of nature and future generations:
Proposed Amendment to the Constitution of the United States
For the Rights of Nature and Future Generations
"Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair." — George Washington
Preamble
We, the People of the United States, in recognition of our fundamental dependence on the living world, do hereby amend this Constitution to affirm the rights of Nature, the importance of environmental stewardship, the duty we owe to future generations, and our responsibilities to the biosphere we share.
We declare that a healthy natural world is a prerequisite for true freedom and justice. We recognize that the activities of humankind affect the health and viability of Nature.
We recognize that our nation’s future — and the very existence of humankind — depend on a healthy natural environment, and that ecological threats are threats to our national security.
We recognize that the burdens of environmental harm and climate disruption have not been borne equally, and commit to ensuring that its protections and benefits — and the protections and benefits of a healthy environment — are shared equitably.
We affirm that it is our duty as a nation to protect Nature, to restore conditions of life for all living beings, and to safeguard the health of the natural environment and the climate on which our very life and liberty depend.
Section 1: Inalienable Natural Rights
All people, present and future, and all living things, have an inalienable right to clean air, safe and sufficient water, a stable climate, thriving ecosystems, and a healthy natural environment. These rights are essential not only to human dignity, freedom, and well-being, but to the social and economic life of the United States, and shall be secured equitably for all persons and communities, especially those historically denied these protections.
Section 2: Rights of Nature and the Living World
Precaution shall be the principle that governs our relations with the natural environment. Nature shall possess inherent rights to exist, evolve, regenerate, and be restored. These rights shall be legally recognized, protected, and enforceable. The ecosystems, species, watersheds, and beings that make life possible shall be included among those whose rights may be defended in court.
Section 3: Duty to Repair and Remedy
All persons and entities shall have a duty to foresee and avoid damaging the climate or the natural environment, or, failing that, to limit the consequences of such damage. All persons and entities shall have a duty to repair and remedy any damage they may have caused to the climate or to the natural environment. In fulfilling this duty, priority shall be given to restoring the lands, waters, and health of communities disproportionately affected by environmental harm or injustice.
Section 4: Climate Priority and Protection
The United States recognizes that a healthy and stable climate is central to our national and international interests, and that we are duly bound to take all necessary action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems, and undertake any other action likely to ensure a just and equitable transition to a more biosphere-friendly society.
Section 5: Indigenous Sovereignty and Stewardship
The right of Indigenous Nations to steward and defend their ancestral lands and waters shall be honored, protected, and restored. Indigenous peoples shall be recognized as stewards and guardians of these rights, and their presence in climate and environmental governance shall be encouraged, respected, and resourced.
Section 6: Rights of Future Generations
Future generations shall have the right to inherit a natural environment capable of sustaining life in dignity and abundance. This right shall guide all government action and be applied in ways that ensure equity across generations and communities.
Section 7: Right to Recreate
All people have the right to access, use, and enjoy the nation’s lands, waters, and wild places for purposes of recreation, cultural practice, and the pursuit of health and happiness — in ways that sustain their beauty, abundance, and vitality for future generations. In exercising this right, activities must be conducted in ways demonstrated — in advance and by the best available science and traditional knowledge — to pose no significant risk to the integrity, resilience, or regeneration of those lands, waters, or the species that inhabit them.
Section 8: Environmental Justice and Equity
In safeguarding the rights enumerated in this Amendment, the United States shall ensure equitable protection and benefits for all people and communities, with special attention to those historically overburdened by environmental harm, dispossessed of lands and waters, or denied justice. The federal government shall take measures to prevent, remedy, and redress disproportionate environmental and climate burdens on Indigenous peoples, frontline communities, and historically marginalized populations.
Section 9: Legal Standing and Enforcement
The United States shall recognize the legal standing of future generations, of Nature, and of the living world. Any person or community — including communities historically denied standing — shall have standing to defend these rights, and to bring legal action against any party — public or private — that violates them. Such violations shall be actionable in courts of law, with remedies including protection, restoration, and prevention of further harm.
Section 10: Right to Information and Participation
All persons shall have the right to access information in the possession of public bodies pertaining to the natural environment or the climate, and the right to participate in any public process likely to affect the natural environment or the climate. Processes for participation shall be inclusive, accessible, and equitable, with particular attention given to historically underrepresented communities.
Section 11: Right to Education
Basic environmental and climate education and training are essential to the exercising of the rights and duties enumerated above and shall be made freely available to all persons without condition.
Section 12: Research, Development, and Support
We affirm that a stable climate and a healthy natural environment are in the national interest of the United States. As such, it shall be incumbent upon the federal government to support research and development activity, as well as educational, cultural, scientific, artistic, and commercial activity, likely to preserve, protect, and enhance the health of the climate or the natural environment.
Section 13: International Cooperation
The United States, recognizing our impact and dependence on Nature, shall support and cooperate with international efforts likely to preserve, protect, and enhance the health of the climate or the natural environment.
Section 14: Permanency
These rights shall be permanent and inalienable, and shall not be overridden, waived, diminished, sold, transferred, assigned, or conveyed.
Section 15: Oversight and Guardianship
Congress shall establish and support an independent body to safeguard the rights enumerated in this Amendment. This body shall serve as a guardian of Nature’s rights and the rights of future generations, with the authority to monitor, investigate, and issue findings on actions that significantly affect the natural environment or climate. Its recommendations shall be public, and all relevant agencies and entities shall be required to respond within a defined timeframe. If the body determines that a significant violation is occurring or imminent, and the responsible party fails to remedy the situation within the prescribed timeframe, the body shall have the authority to refer the matter directly to a court of competent jurisdiction for binding relief. All persons, communities, and Indigenous Nations — with particular attention to those historically marginalized or overburdened — shall have access to this body to raise concerns, propose remedies, and participate in decision-making.
Section 16: Self-Execution
This Amendment shall be self-executing and enforceable upon ratification. Congress and the States will retain the authority to pass laws that expand — but not reduce, weaken, or override — the rights and duties enumerated herein.
Created 2025-08-12 22:05 EDT by Christopher Swain