The Earth has rights, Bolivian president says

NEW YORK (CNN) - Speaking on Earth Day, Bolivian President Evo Morales called Wednesday for the nations of the world to accept a set of principles that would protect the planet's resources and "right to life."

Morales, the first indigenous president in Bolivia's history, told the United Nations General Assembly that people cannot put their interests above those of the Earth.

"Not just human beings have rights, but the planet has rights," he said. "What's happening with climate change is that the rights of Mother Earth are not being respected."