The Earth Summit, also called the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), occurred in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. It showcased remarkable political determination and commitment from governments to shift towards sustainable development while acknowledging the pressing issues of poverty and the environment. Spanning two weeks, this conference assembled the largest assemblage of global leaders at that period, representing a momentous achievement for humanity.
The conference held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 3 – 14, 1992 aimed to tackle global development issues and safeguard the environment. It had a noteworthy influence on future UN conferences. The primary subjects deliberated during the conference encompassed global warming, sustainable development, and preservation of tropical rainforests. This event united an unparalleled number of world leaders, including participation from 178 nations and 117 national leaders, as well as 2,400 representatives from non-governmental organizations. The central message conveyed throughout the conference emphasized the imperative requirement for a shift in our attitudes and behavior to instigate necessary changes.
The environment is negatively affected by poverty and excessive consumption by affluent populations. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio) in 1992, also known as the Earth Summit, resulted in various agreements and declarations. These include Agenda 21 with its 40 chapters, the Rio Declaration consisting of 27 principles, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) signed by 154 countries, the United Nations Convention on Bio-Diversity signed by 168 countries, Forestry Principles totaling to 15, and the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development Financing for the Rio Summit which amounted to $625 billion. With participation from a total of 120 heads of state and a global forum.
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (completed in 1994), the Global Environment Facility, and Capacity 21 were all outcomes of the Earth Summit. However, Agenda 21 stands out as the most significant and comprehensive document produced during this summit. It has since been regarded as the go-to guide for achieving sustainability and serves as the foundation for strategies promoting sustainable development. Its suggestions encompass various areas such as innovative approaches to education, improved management of natural resources, and increased involvement in shaping a sustainable economy.
Agenda 21 aimed to establish a just and safe global community that promotes equitable living for people across all areas while respecting the Earth’s limitations. This document provides guidance on promoting sustainability in the present world, presenting approaches to address concerns like land, air, and water degradation, as well as protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. Moreover, it addresses topics such as poverty, excessive consumption, healthcare, and education. Additionally, it highlights the significance of inclusiveness in achieving its goals.
To achieve sustainable development, it is crucial to involve multiple stakeholders such as governments, businesses, trade unions, scientists, educators, indigenous communities, and the youth. Engaging these groups in decision-making processes is essential for reducing harmful environmental and social practices while promoting economic prosperity. Currently, a nation’s wealth is solely determined by its financial standing, which heavily emphasizes money. However, Agenda 21 promotes a broader perspective on wealth that considers the value of a nation’s natural resources.
Agenda 21 emphasizes the importance of considering the expenses associated with environmental degradation and underscores the need for conducting environmental assessments. It also acknowledges the responsibility of holding accountable those responsible for causing damage, while recognizing that poverty eradication is essential. Additionally, it acknowledges that less affluent countries face challenges in achieving sustainable living due to limited resources. Developed nations have taken on the role of assisting these countries in reducing their ecological footprints and achieving sustainable development.
The Rio Declaration is a collection of 27 principles that aim to ensure governments are responsible for both environmental conservation and sustainable development. It is often called the Environmental Bill of Rights. One significant principle introduced by the declaration is the “Precautionary principle,” which emphasizes taking preventive measures in the face of potential risks. Another important concept highlighted is “common but differentiated responsibilities.” Principle 1 stresses the importance of prioritizing human well-being in sustainable development efforts, while Principle 2 recognizes states’ sovereign right to utilize their resources based on their own environmental and developmental policies and jurisdiction, with the caveat that this should not cause any harm to the environment.
Principle 3 emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the right to development in a manner that addresses both current and future developmental and environmental needs. Principle 4 states that incorporating environmental protection into the development process is crucial for achieving sustainable development. Principle 5 underscores the significance of cooperation among all states and individuals in eliminating poverty as a vital component of sustainable development. Principle 6 highlights the necessity of giving priority to assisting the least developed and environmentally vulnerable populations.
Principle 7 states that countries should work together to safeguard and restore the Earth’s ecosystem. Principle 8 emphasizes the importance of reducing unsustainable production and consumption patterns, as well as promoting appropriate demographic policies. Principle 9 highlights the need for countries to collaborate in advancing scientific knowledge and capacity-building for sustainable development. Lastly, Principle 10 urges countries to promote public awareness and participation by ensuring information is easily accessible.
States shall provide effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy. Principle 11 emphasizes that states should enact effective environmental legislation. Principle 12 encourages states to cooperate in order to promote a supportive and open international economic system, which would lead to economic growth and sustainable development in all countries, thus addressing the problems of environmental degradation more effectively. Principle 13 urges states to develop national law concerning liability and compensation for individuals affected by pollution and other forms of environmental damage.
Principle 14: Cooperation among States is essential to discourage or prevent the relocation and transfer of activities and substances that cause severe environmental degradation or harm human health.
Principle 15: States should widely embrace the precautionary approach to safeguard the environment, considering their capabilities.
Principle 16: National authorities should strive to encourage the internalization of environmental costs and the use of economic instruments, ensuring that polluters bear the responsibility for pollution expenses.
Principle 17: It is necessary to conduct a national environmental impact assessment for activities that could cause significant harm to the environment.
Principle 18: States should promptly inform other States about natural disasters or emergencies that may cause immediate damage to the environment.
Principle 19: States must give advance notice and relevant information to potentially affected States.
Principle 20: The active involvement of women is crucial in achieving sustainable development and environmental management.
Principle 21 emphasizes the need for young people to contribute their creativity, ideas, and courage in order to establish a global alliance for sustainable development that benefits everyone. Principle 22 stresses the importance of states acknowledging and supporting the identity, culture, and interests of indigenous peoples so they can actively participate in sustainable development initiatives. Principle 23 requires the protection of the environment and natural resources belonging to oppressed, dominated, or occupied individuals.
Principle 24: Nations must acknowledge and adhere to global law in order to safeguard the environment during times of armed conflicts and collaborate for its enhancement if needed.
Principle 25: Peace, development, and environmental preservation are interrelated and indivisible.
Principle 26: Nations must peacefully resolve all their environmental disagreements using suitable approaches as specified in the United Nations Charter.
Principle 27: Nations and individuals should sincerely cooperate and establish alliances to uphold the principles stated in this Declaration.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol from 1997 aim to stabilize global greenhouse gases in order to prevent dangerous climate change caused by human-made emissions. The ratification of the Kyoto Protocol is expected before the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).
Furthermore, the Convention on Biological Diversity focuses on identifying biodiversity components, creating conservation plans, promoting and conserving biodiversity through media and education, and establishing laws for protecting threatened species.
In order to guarantee sustainability and reforest areas, it is essential to restore damaged ecosystems and engage the public. It is also important to manage the surrounding regions and protect distinct forests, as they contribute significantly to their economic and non-economic worth. The control of pollutants is vital for environmental sustainability. The worldwide vegetation holds importance in meeting present and future demands, as well as sharing profits from biotechnology goods and genetic material. Private entities’ international financial assistance plays a crucial role in forest management. Ultimately, sustainable development guarantees the continuous proper functioning of the environment.
The objective of environmental sustainability is to reduce and undo damage to the environment. The Rio Earth Summit resulted in the creation of two global agreements, two sets of principles, and a significant action plan for worldwide sustainable development. In December 1992, the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established to oversee progress made at the Rio Earth Summit and ensure the implementation of its agreements at various levels: local, national, regional, and international.
The Declaration on Environment + Development was formulated following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. It presented 27 agreed principles that aimed to establish a fair and global partnership by promoting collaboration among states, societal sectors, and individuals. One example is K. William Kapp’s model of sustainable development (Kapp, 1961), which emphasized the sustainable consumption of renewable resources. The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) emerged as the institutional outcome of UNCED.
Agenda 21 required the establishment of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) to monitor progress made during UNCED and promote sustainable development. The Convention on Climate Change aims to provide $625 billion in financial support and technological assistance to help countries measure greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, this convention offers aid specifically to countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Lastly, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification was created separately from UNCED with the goal of addressing desertification and mitigating drought effects in affected countries.
To date, the convention has been ineffective due to the absence of a financing mechanism. One way to revitalize it is by expanding the thematic coverage of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). The Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro was remarkable for its size and scope of concerns, setting it apart from other UN conferences. However, even two decades later, the UN still strives to aid governments in rethinking economic development and preventing the depletion of natural resources and pollution.
