Abstract

M. Vosseler “ Nuclear Abolition and Planetary Ethics”

The poem “Mysteries, yes” by Mary Oliver reflects on awe, the deep astonishment about the miracles of life. We become aware how many miracles make the life system “Sun- Earth” possible. Joanna Macy’s, teacher for deep ecology, describes our present situation as a transition from an old to the new paradigm. She defines our double function: to become palliative caretaker and midwife at the same time. The development of Planetary Ethics during the last 250 years is described. This value system will help our species to become Earth compatible. The lecture ends with a metaphor – the metamorphosis of the butterfly as a symbol for the evolution of humankind and the imminent breakthroughs.