The environment is a global issue that affects everyone on
this planet. It is an issue that is woven into the fabrics of life, affecting
how we live responsibly in the present time, and how we live sustainably for
future generations.
The environment has long been an issue, and international programs, conferences, policies, and protocols were developed over the course of time. A historical landmark was the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also commonly referred to as the Rio Conference or the Earth Summit, which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This conference brought together global leaders, government officials, nonprofit organizations, scientists, and other stakeholders to discuss issues of the environment and sustainable development. Significant documents that came out from this conference were:
The environment has long been an issue, and international programs, conferences, policies, and protocols were developed over the course of time. A historical landmark was the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also commonly referred to as the Rio Conference or the Earth Summit, which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This conference brought together global leaders, government officials, nonprofit organizations, scientists, and other stakeholders to discuss issues of the environment and sustainable development. Significant documents that came out from this conference were:
- Agenda 21, a blueprint to guide sustainable economic and social development while ensuring environmental protection
- Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, a statement of principles outlining basic human and environmental rights for everyone amid a world of economic development
- Statement of Forest Principles, a statement of principles that addresses the importance of forests as resources for economic growth, and their importance as part of their role in their natural ecosystems
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a framework that recognizes the effects of emissions of gases into the atmosphere from human activities and the urgent need to address climate change
- United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, a document that addresses the issues of biological diversity conservation, sustainable use, and fair and equitable sharing of genetic resources
On June 20-22, the world will once again convene at Rio
de Janeiro for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD),
or Rio+20, commemorating the 20th anniversary
of the Earth Summit. The conference will focus on the themes of green
economy, and an institutional framework for sustainable development, as well as
discuss the priority areas of jobs, energy, cities, food, water, oceans, and
disasters. The end result will be a political document that will help
guide countries with implementing sustainable development.
My own impression of the Earth Summit came from Severn Cullis-Suzuki, who at the age of 12, gave a heartfelt speech to the world leaders at the conference:
My own impression of the Earth Summit came from Severn Cullis-Suzuki, who at the age of 12, gave a heartfelt speech to the world leaders at the conference:
The message from Severn Cullis-Suzuki was inspiring. I hope the outcomes of this conference will bring us one step closer to a more sustainable future.
