Constitution of Earth
Since 2020, Donald Jacob has been working on a Constitution of Earth: a document that establishes the biosphere as a legal personality in its own right — non-partisan, supranational, equally valid for all. It builds on the book «Eine Verfassung für die Erde» (oekom, 2022) and is carried by a non-profit association founded in Basel in 2020, today at constitutionofearth.org.
The constitution itself is deliberately short: one page, eight chapters. It places the protection of the biosphere — the basis of all life — above the particular interests of states, corporations and individuals, while guaranteeing human dignity, peace, equal opportunity and the rights of future generations. Its preamble begins:
"We, humanity, acknowledge that we live as part of nature on this planet, which provides for and protects us all."
The Founding Act
On 5 February 2023, the constitution was publicly signed at the Unternehmen Mitte cultural centre in Basel — conceived as an "Alternative COP", weeks after a UN climate conference the initiators regarded as inconclusive. Close to 200 people took part, in the hall and connected by video from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Mexico. The signatories represented what climate diplomacy gives no voice: the biosphere. The motto: partnership instead of domination.
Signing of the Constitution of Earth at the large poster, Unternehmen Mitte Basel, 5 February 2023
Continuation
The idea has since been developed further — most recently in the book «Die Erde als Partner» (2026) and in ongoing research on biosphere governance.
Media
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bz — Zeitung für die Region Basel, 8. Februar 2023: «Nach dem Basler Bahnhof nimmt sich Donald Jacob der Erde an»
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ProgrammZeitung Basel, Februar 2023
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Pro Natura Magazin 4/2024, Interview
In his book «Eine Verfassung für die Erde» (oekom, 2022), Donald Jacob develops the vision of an Earth constitution in dialogue with scientific, artistic and civil-society perspectives. Combining essays, images and models, the book is an invitation to rethink our institutions and actions radically, starting from the protection of the biosphere.
The German edition is out of print. The English and French translations are available in bookshops.
The follow-up appeared in early 2026: «Die Erde als Partner»,
ISBN 978-3-6957-5033-7.
