1. I believe all humans desire clean air, clean water and good health. This is a universal truth that transcends race, gender, nationality and politics.
   
   
2. I believe rising carbon emissions present an existential threat to human health, the economy and the planet.
   
   
3. I believe all people must adopt values that advance decarbonization and mitigate climate change.
   
   
4. I believe humans have the ability to adapt and can solve the effects of climate change through innovation and data.
   
   
5. I believe members of each generation have a shared obligation to be sustainable stewards of the Earth’s finite resources.
   
   
6. I believe it is more important to listen to other views and seek common ground than to impose my own opinions about climate change.
   
   
7. I believe these values are summarized in two ancient rules:
   
   

• Do no harm. This sage Chinese principle is captured in the word shu, which means, “Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.”  In accordance with this Confucian tradition, we should prioritize the “other” rather than the “self.” This is the Silver Rule.
  
  
• Do good. This wise Abrahamic principle is well-known from the synoptic gospel of Matthew, where the law is summarized in a single phrase: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In accordance with this MENA tradition, we should do good to others when we have the ability.  This is the Golden Rule.

 
 
Copyright © 2020 Walter L. McLeod.  All Rights Reserved.

A Preamble

People often ask me "why create a Carbon Creed TM ?"  Below is my simple explanation:

We chose carbon to emphasize the importance of data in the struggle against climate change.

The scientific consensus is that anthropogenic (man-made) climate change is an existential threat to life on earth. Carbon emissions must be measured, reduced and eliminated to avoid catastrophic consequences, which starts with data and benchmarking.

We chose creed because humans need a common set of beliefs and values to decarbonize the economy.

The word “creed” comes from credo, the Latin word that means “we believe.” 

• People may not believe that man-made climate change is real.
• Governments may not believe or trust climate science.
• Companies may not value people and planet more than profits.

​This creed is a statement of what is possible, what humans are capable of achieving when they unite around a common goal - a carbon creed.