Rio + 20: Has the time come for ecological realism? (Policy Brief 261 - January 2012)
In 1972, the Club of Rome and the Stockholm Conference stressed the limits of natural resources. In 1992, the Earth Summit in Rio established the concept of sustainable development. The conference "Rio + 20", which will be held in June 2012, has to be ambitious, especially because there is no longer any doubt that there is a need to establish a growth model that respects both the earth and our civilization.
- "Rio + 20": Has the time come for ecological realism?
The first objective of the conference should be to adopt a vision of green economy that emphasizes sustainable development and the elimination of poverty and that can provide guidance to states, communities and citizens, including an energy transition needed to hopefully contain climate change. In the negotiations, it will be impossible to avoid the fate of the hundreds of millions that lack access to vital resources.
Secondly, it will be important to regain the momentum adopted at the Rio Summit and in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000. Global goals and sustainable development indicators are clear priorities for the international community, developed countries and developing countries.
The third topic on the agenda of "Rio 2012" should aim to improve the world governance. Despite the progress that has been made all along at the different conferences, the international community has so far failed to contain the diminishing environmental resources. A reform in international multilateral institutions must be able to adapt to the geopolitical context, which has been evolving since the 1990s, and take on a central role in society and in scientific expertise.
Summary
- The legacy of "Rio 1992": sustainable development becomes a priority
- The implementation of global cooperation proves disappointing nonetheless
- What can be expected from "Rio 2012"?
- Author: Blandine Barreau, Department of Sustainable Development
Press Contact:
Jean-Michel Roullé, Head of Communications
Tel. + 33 (0)1 42 75 61 37 - jean-michel.roulle@strategie.gouv.fr
Les ressources
- Report - Economic instruments in the service of climate
- Innovative financing the service climate (Policy Brief 252 - November 2011)
- U.S. climate policy (Policy Brief 250 - November 2011)
- Policy Brief 213 - From Kyoto to Durban: the invention of a new cooperation climate (February 2011)
- Note d’analyse 203 - Un enjeu de Cancun