Road to Rio+20Kyoto and Beyond

www.isciences.com June 6, 2012

The 8th installment in an ongoing series on multilateral agreements

related to climate change

Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 2

Introduction

Kyoto and Beyond is a series of presentations on the evolving international climate treaty process that began with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 1992.

Road to Rio+20 is a summary of preparations for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) called “Rio+20” to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil June 20-22, 2012.

2008 Kyoto and Beyond 2009 Kyoto and Beyond, Update 2009 Report on Copenhagen COP15

* Available at http://www.isciences.com/spotlight/kyoto_and_beyond.html

Other presentations in the Kyoto and Beyond series include*:

2010 Road to Cancun COP16 2011 Report on Cancun COP16 2011 Road to Durban 2012 Report on Durban

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Contents

NOTE: This presentation includes hyperlinks to additional information indicated by underlined text.

Historical Background

Conference Overview

Multilateral Process

Issues & Positions

Possible Outcomes

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Background: Timeline 1972-2012

1972 | 1982 | 1992 | 2002 | 2012 1972 | 1982 | 1992 | 2002 | 2012

See also: Sustainable Development Timelines, Stakeholder Forum

2002Johannesburg

World Summit on Sustainable

Development

2002Johannesburg

World Summit on Sustainable

Development

2012Rio de Janeiro

UN Conference on the Human

Environment,Earth Summit

2012Rio de Janeiro

UN Conference on the Human

Environment,Earth Summit

1992Rio de Janeiro

UN Conference on the Human Environment,

Earth Summit

1992Rio de Janeiro

UN Conference on the Human Environment,

Earth Summit

1987Brundtland Report

“Our Common Future”

1987Brundtland Report

“Our Common Future”

1972Stockholm

UN Conference on Sustainable

Development

1972Stockholm

UN Conference on Sustainable

Development

1997New York

Rio+5UNGASS 19

1997New York

Rio+5UNGASS 19

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Background: Stockholm, 1972

The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm put environmental issues on the international agenda for the first time.

The Stockholm Conference, June 5-16, 1972 laid the groundwork for progress in the environment and development.

One important outcome from Stockholm was the creation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

“Man is unlikely to succeed in managing his relationship with nature unless in the course of it he learns to manage better the relations between man and man.” – Maurice Strong, Secretary-General of the Stockholm Conference

Declaration of the UN Conference on the Human Environment http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?documentid=97&articleid=1503Report of the UN Conference on the Human Environment http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?documentid=97

Maurice Strong (left) with Conference President Ingemund Bengtsson (Credit: UN Photo)

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Background: Brundtland, 1987

The 1987 Brundtland Report, “Our Common Future,” helped define sustainable development.

“Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” - Part One of the Brundtland Report

In 1983, UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar asked Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland* of Norway to create an organization independent of the UN to focus on environmental and developmental problems and solutions.

The World Commission on Environment and Development, known as the Brundtland Commission, was formed. The Commission’s report highlighted how growth rates in both developing and industrialized nations would prove to be unsustainable.

Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland(Credit: The Leading Speakers Bureau)

* Note: Gro Harlem Brundtland will attend the 2012 Rio+20.

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Background: Earth Summit, 1992

The first global gathering on sustainability was the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Earth Summit – the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) June 3-14 – produced Agenda 21, a blueprint to rethink economic growth, to advance social equity and to ensure environmental protection.

More than 178 Governments adopted: Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the Statement of Principles for the Sustainable Management of Forests.

(Credit: UN)

Two important legally binding agreements were opened for signatures: the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and, the Convention on Biological Diversity, to conserve biodiversity. The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was created to ensure effective follow-up to the Summit.

“If you don’t know how to fix it, please don’t break it.” – 12-yr old Canadian Severn Cullis-Suzuki at Earth Summit 1992

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Background: Rio+5, 1997

Rio+5 June 23-27, 1997 in New York ended without significant action.

UNGASS-19, the 19th Special Session of the UN General Assembly was promoted as “Rio+5” and was convened to review and appraise the implementation of Agenda 21.

The Summit noted many shortfalls in progress, particularly failures to achieve an increase in monetary aid and technical assistance to developing nations.

After three attempts, the process failed to produce a defining Political Statement, though leaders recommitted to the goals of Agenda 21.

See also: ENB Vol.5 No. 88, and Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21.

"Our words have not been matched by deeds." - Razali Ismail, UN General Assembly president, from Malaysia

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Background: Rio+10, 2002

The 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) produced the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

At Rio+10 Aug. 26-Sept. 4 in Johannesburg, South Africa the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPI) set out new commitments in poverty eradication, health, trade, education, science and technology, regional concerns, natural resources, and institutional arrangements.

Economic development Social development Environmental development

The JPI also identified three mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development.

“a collective responsibility to advance and strengthen the interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development – economic development, social development and environmental protection – at local, national, regional and global levels.” – Johannesburg Plan of Implementation

Three Pillars of Sustainable Development

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Overview: Rio+20, 2012

Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development scheduled for June 20-21, 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is intended to set a global sustainability agenda for the coming decade .

Delegates from 183 countries, some of them represented by their presidents, vice-presidents, and premiers, along with more than 50,000 participants from governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other groups will attend.

The Conference is being promoted as “The Future We Want.” Updates can be found at www.uncsd2012.org.

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Overview: Secretariat

China’s Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), was nominated Secretary-General of the Rio+20 Conference.

Sha Zukang(Credit: UN)

The Conference Secretariat is within DESA.

(Credit: UN)

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Overview: Objectives

The stated objectives of Rio+20 are to: renew political commitment, assess progress, and address challenges.

Renew Political Commitment to Sustainable Development techniques, discuss structural modifications within political institutions in relation to development technology.

Assess Progress on various country commitments to sustainable development practices, look into gaps in progress, and evaluate the success of outcomes of major international summit meetings on sustainable development.

Discuss Emerging Challenges that have become more critical: food crises, water scarcity, natural disasters, health security, migration, and biodiversity and ecosystem loss; and reach agreement on comprehensive mitigation.

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Overview: Themes

Discussion at Rio+20 will be shaped by two themes: the Green Economy and Institutional Framework.

Key Considerations link goals for the environment with those for the economy rather than

one taking precedent over the other.

integrate the knowledge that ecosystems currently undergo stress from production techniques, and that extreme poverty still exists throughout the world.

shift methods of development to those that are both economically and environmentally friendly.

Green Economy in the Context of Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development

See also: UNCSD Issues Brief 1: Trade and Green Economy

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Overview: Themes

Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development

Key Considerations reform UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)

establish a UN Environment Organization (UNEO) or World Environment Organization (WEO)

Monitor and enforce global agreements on environment and sustainable development

Strengthen the CSD (Commission on Sustainable Development).

The theme of Institutional Framework stresses the importance of integrating sustainable development practices into global political institutions.

See also: UNCSD Issues Brief 3: Issues related to an intergovernmental body on SD

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Overview: Focal Areas

Preparations for Rio+20 have highlighted seven areas which need priority attention: jobs, energy, cities, food, water, oceans, disasters.Jobs – Jobs are critical for social stability, and green jobs contribute to preserving or restoring the quality of the environment. [UNCSD Issues Brief 7]

Energy - Sustainable energy is needed for strengthening economies, protecting ecosystems and achieving equity. [Sustainable Energy for All]

Cities –The challenges cities face must be overcome in ways that create prosperity, while improving resource use and reducing poverty. [UNCSD Issues Brief 5]

Food – A profound change in global agriculture is needed to nourish today's 925 million and the additional 2 billion people expected by 2050. [UNCSD Issues Brief 9]

Water – Water scarcity, poor quality and inadequate sanitation negatively impact food security, livelihoods and educational opportunities. [UNCSD Issues Brief 11]

Oceans – The world's oceans - their temperature, chemistry, currents and life - drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. [UNCSD Issues Brief 4]

Disasters – Smart choices help us recover from disasters, choices related to how we grow our food, where and how we build our homes, how our financial system works, what we teach in schools, and more. [UNCSD Issues Brief 8]

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Overview: Related Events

More than 500 on-site side events on sustainability will take place, and the Sustainable Development Dialogues.

June 13-22 A wide-ranging circus of side events organized by Major Groups, Governments, Organizations from the UN system, and other International Organizations, will take place before and during the Conference.

June 16-19 The Sustainable Development Dialogues, a Conference forum for civil society to engage in debate on key topics without the presence of UN Agencies or Governments, precedes the Conference’s High-Level Discussions.

Sustainable Development Dialogues - Topics

1. Sustainable development for fighting poverty

2. Sustainable development as an answer to the economic and financial crises

3. Unemployment, decent work and migrations

4. Economics of sustainable development, including sustainable patterns of production and consumption

5. Forests 6. Food and nutrition security7. Sustainable energy for all8. Water9. Sustainable cities and

innovation10. Oceans

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Overview: Brazil’s Leadership

As host country Brazil has a leadership role. Brazil’s leaders emphasize economic growth as part of sustainability.

André Corrêa do Lago, Chief Negotiator for Brazil at Rio+20, reinforced Brazil’s commitment to economic growth.

Some environmental organizations claim that Brazil's environmental agenda has suffered a setback since Rousseff took office in January 2011, citing proposed forest code reform, weakening of oversight agencies, and exploitation of resources for economic growth.

Dilma Vana Rousseff, President of Brazil(Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

“…strong results [at Rio+20]…is to have the economic sectors understand that sustainable development…is not only environmental sustainability; it is economic sustainability, it is social sustainability.” – Andre Correa do Lago, Brazil’s Chief Negotiator at Rio+20

In her address to the Brazilian Climate Change Forum Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff stated that she accepts the premises of sustainable development, but warned that there are limits to what Brazil, and other developing nations, will accept.

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Overview: Brazil’s Readiness

Inadequate housing for the expected 50,000 visitors has compromised Brazil’s role as host country.

(Credit: Klaus, Wikimedia Commons)

Rio’s hotel capacity – 33,000 hotel beds for 50,000 visitors – has led to unconventional solutions. The mayor has asked residents to leave town and rent out their apartments. Rio's 320 "love hotels“ have agreed to daily rentals instead of hourly. Around 10,000 visitors to Rio will be camping.

Rio’s hotel costs – averaging $818 per night during the conference – also created problems. The European Parliament scrapped its 11-person delegation because of the rise in hotel prices, 10 times initial estimates. Even the Brazilian government refused to pay housing for its 100 delegates, only those who agree to pay for their own lodging would take part.

In mid-May the Brazilian government reached an agreement with hotels to reduce the costs of accommodations during the Conference.

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Process: UN Preparations

The multilateral preparatory process includes many UN meetings and civil society dialogs.Since May 2010 numerous meetings, conferences, and presentations have been generated to help shape the desired outcomes from Rio+ 20.

(Credit: UN)

Sook Kim (Republic of Korea) and John Ashe (Antigua and Barbuda) are Bureau Co-Chairs.

These include gatherings by the UNCSD Preparatory Committee (PrepCom), the 10-member Bureau of the PrepCom, Member States, Regionals, IGOs (Intergovernmental Organizations), and Major Groups.

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Process: Major Groups

The process includes input from nine “Major Groups,” formalized in Agenda 21 as the overarching categories through which all citizens could participate in UN activities on achieving sustainable development.

The UNCSD is an intergovernmental process driven by Member states of the United Nations with full involvement of the UN system and Major groups.

From the very beginning of the first Earth Summit in 1992, people realized that sustainable development could not be achieved by governments alone and would require the active participation of all sectors of society and all types of people

Business and Industry Children and Youth Farmers Indigenous Peoples Local Authorities

NGOs Scientific and Technological Community Women Workers and Trade Unions

Major Groups

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Process: The Zero Draft

The most important pre-Conference task is to prepare a Zero Draft document of the intended action plan, called “The Future We Want.”

The objective is to arrive in Rio "with at least 90 percent of the text ready, and only the most difficult 10 percent left to be negotiated there at the highest political levels“. – Secretary-General Sha Zukang

The original 19-page document, introduced on Jan. 10, 2012, was developed by the Bureau of the UNCSD PrepCom, and was based on 6,000 pages of input from Member States, Major Groups and other stakeholders.

The draft was discussed at several meetings held at UN Headquarters in January and March, when delegates proposed numerous amendments.

It must be ready for approval by world leaders on the first day of Rio+20. Though legally nonbinding it is regarded as significant for clarifying goals for countries to take concrete policy steps.

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Process: The Zero Draft Key Points

The original Zero Draft briefly outlined key points in four areas.Renewing Political Commitment: reaffirm Agenda 21; work towards universal access to

information; and, require companies to integrate sustainability information within the reporting cycle.

Green Economy: provide an opportunity to all countries and a threat to none; and, not create new trade barriers, impose conditions on aid, widen technology gaps, or restrict a country’s policy space.

Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development: integrate the three pillars; reaffirm “common but differentiated responsibilities;” transform the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) into a Sustainable Development Council; and, strengthen UNEP or elevate it to a UN specialized agency.

Framework for Action and Follow-up: devise global Sustainable Development Goals to complement MDGs, targets to be achieved by 2030; recognize the limitations of GDP and develop more balanced indicators; and, phase out distorting and harmful subsidies that impede sustainable development.

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Process: The Zero Draft Deadlock

After a scheduled series of review meetings at UN headquarters in New York, the draft was still not ready for presentation at the Conference.

"Let us be frank, currently, the negotiating text is a far cry from the 'focused political document' called for by the General Assembly. …The time has come to shift gears to reach our destination in time.” – Secretary-General Sha Zukang

Initial discussions on the draft were Jan. 25-27, 2012. The first round of negotiations, called “informal-informals,” was Mar. 19-23. The second round was April 23-May 4. During these meetings the draft ballooned from 19 to 278, before being pared to 210 – still far from the 70-page goal. Sphere within a Sphere, UN, New York

(Credit: Norbert Nagel via Wikimedia Commons)

The negotiations resulted in agreement on only 21 of 420 paragraphs, evidence of a stalled process undermined by lack of flexibility, urgency and spirit of compromise

To break the deadlock a third round was scheduled for May 29-June 2, 2012.

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Process: The Zero Draft, Round 3

With urgent admonitions from Ban Ki-moon to reach agreement and further reduce the document, negotiators returned to work on May 29.

In hopes of expediting the process, UNCSD PrepCom Bureau Co-Chairs Sook Kim and John Ashe prepared an 80-pg streamlined version of the document called “Co-Chairs Suggested Text” (CST) as a starting point for the negotiators.

Though some progress was made, complete success proved elusive do to range and complexity of issues, organization of work and uneven chairing styles, and entrenched positions.

“Rarely has a drafting process been so erratic.” – Anonymous delegate

See also: ENB, Vol.27 No. 40

No revised document was published and further decision-making was kicked along to the last PrepCom, June 13-15, and to the Conference itself.

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Process: Conference Schedule

The 3-day Conference schedule* will be an intense push to clarify sustainable development directions for the next decade.

In parallel with and between official events, there will be numerous side events, exhibitions, presentations, fairs and announcements by a wide range of partners.

Wednesday, June 20 10: Opening Plenary 3: Ceremonial Opening4:30: High Level Round

Table

Thursday, June 2110-1: High Level Round Table10-1: Morning Plenary 3-6: High Level Round Table 3-6: Afternoon Plenary 6: Evening Plenary, if

required

Friday, June 2210-1: High Level Round

Table10-1: Morning Plenary 3-6: Afternoon Plenary 6: Evening Plenary, if

required

* No official Provisional Agenda available as of June 5.

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Process: World Leaders

Who is and is not attending Rio+20? About 115 heads of state have committed.

Barack ObamaPresident, US

Angela MerkelChancellor, Germany

David CameronPrime Minister, UK

Though it is not unusual for national leaders to send representatives to global gatherings such as this, a leader’s presence signals a level of interest and influence.

NOYESVladimir PutinPresident, Russia

Francois HollandePresident, France

Manmohan SinghPrime Minister, India

Wen Jiabao Premier, China

Felipe CalderonPresident, Mexico

Stephen HarperPrime Minister, Canada

Jacob ZumaPresident, S. Africa

Julia GillardPrime Minister, Australia

(Photo Credits: EarthSummit2012.org )

Yoshihiko NodaPrime Minister, Japan

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad President, Iran

Yousaf Raza GillaniPrime Minister,

Pakistan

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Issues: SD Commitments

Currently, commitments to sustainable development goals at Rio+20 are voluntary, and are tracked through a “Compendium of Commitments.”

The Compendium is an online registry of pledges by governments, civil society and the private sector through which registrants describe tangible deliverables with estimated timelines.

“We welcome the voluntary commitments made at Rio+20 and invite the Secretary-General to compile them in a registry/compendium that will serve as an accountability framework.” – The Future We Want (Zero Draft), Paragraph 28

Commitment AreasBiodiversity, Forests & Other Ecosystems Chemicals & WasteClimate ChangeEducationFood Security & Sustainable AgricultureGender EqualityGreen Jobs-Social Inclusion Land Degradation & Desertification Measuring SD Progress (through indicators)Mountains Natural Disaster PreparednessPoverty EradicationPublic Awareness and Communications on SDOceans and Seas, SIDS Other Important Sustainable Development

AreasSD Economics, Finance and TradeSD Strategies and PoliciesSustainability ManagementSustainable CitiesSustainable Consumption & Production Sustainable EnergySustainable TransportTechnology and InnovationWater

(Credit: UN)

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Issues: SDGs

The concept of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a set of sustainability indicators – will be advanced at Rio+20.

Modeled after MDGs (Millennium Development Goals, anti-poverty and social development targets that have an achievement deadline of 2015). Consensus is that SDGs should complement and not detract from MDGs.

Introduced at the UN DPI/NGO Conference in Bonn, Germany Sept 3-5, 2011 through an initiative proposed by Colombia and Guatemala.

Could apply to both developed and developing countries.

See also: Rio+20 Issues Brief 6

Full development of SDGs – definitions, objectives, and targets – is not generally expected as a concrete deliverable from Rio, but would occur after Rio.

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Issues: SDGs

The following 17 indicator areas, part of the original proposal, will serve as a starting point for SDG discussions.

1. Sustainable consumption and production

2. Sustainable livelihoods, youth, and education

3. Climate sustainability4. Clean energy5. Biodiversity6. Water7. Healthy seas and oceans (blue

economy)8. Healthy forests

9. Sustainable agriculture10. Green cities11. Subsidies and investment12. New indicators of progress13. Access to information14. Public participation15. Access to redress and remedy16. Environmental justice for the poor

and marginalized17. Basic health

http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?page=view&nr=273&type=230&menu=39

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Issues: IFSD – Governance

Several global institutions are part of the conversation on Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development.

“We haven't even begun to understand the damage we are bringing to bear on the sustainability of our planet.” – Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, UN Under-Secretary-General, and Chair UN Environment Management Group

Discussions suggest reforming UNEP’s structure and authority. Proposals for reform include: Strengthening UNEP, or;

See also: A Pocket Guide to Sustainable Development Governance.

The Commission on Sustainable Development could be transformed into a Sustainable Development Council with authority similar to the UN Human Rights Council.

Upgrading UNEP to a specialized agency (such as WHO); UNEP currently has 58 members but could be upgraded to full agency status with universal membership.

IFSD would also involve integration of SD into policies of International Financial Institutions such as: World Bank, IMF, regional development banks, UNTAD, and WTO.

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Issues: Green Economy

National policy options: regulatory, economic and fiscal instruments, investment in green infrastructure, financial incentives, subsidy reform, sustainable public procurement, information disclosure, and voluntary partnerships.

Sector-based roadmaps: cross-national cooperation among industrial sectors. Innovative international instruments of finance, and elimination of harmful subsidies. International knowledge-sharing platform: menu of policy options, toolbox of good

practices at scaled levels, progress indicators, directory of support for developing countries.

Charting a path to a “green economy” means developing economic engines that support sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and lower environmental impacts.

According to a study released by the UN International Labour Organization net gains of 0.5 percent to 2 percent in total global employment are possible through a green economy, mainly through more renewable and efficient energy use.

Global measures of progress through targets and timeline: indicators (2012~2015), implementation 2015~2030; comprehensive assessment (2030).

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Issues: “GDP+” & “Natural Capital”

“GDP+” is an emerging metric concept for natural, human and manufactured capital considered together to obtain a more comprehensive value.

The need for new metrics in a green economy has stimulated discussions on development of “GDP+” and valuation of “natural capital.”

“Natural capital” refers to the stock of ecosystems that provides a renewable flow of goods and services, and to the economics of ecosystem services. Natural capital has historically been part of “the global commons” and henceforth, free goods.

The Natural Capital Declaration, a statement by the financial sector on its commitment to work towards integrating natural capital criteria into financial products and services, will be launched at Rio+20.

(Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

"It is time to recognize that human capital and natural capital are every bit as important as financial capital." – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

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Issues: Where’s the Environment?

While much of the pre-conference negotiations have focused on the first two pillars of sustainable development – economic and social – some followers are asking “Where’s the environmental development in this agenda?”

“Sustainable development is an easier sell globally than climate change, even though sustainable development is a way of tackling global warming and other environmental issues.” – Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, Brazil

While human developmental issues are being discussed – MDGs, right to water, women’s rights, rights of decent employment – alongside debates on the rights to economic and technological advancement, the word “environment” is rarely heard above the clamor.

In the Zero Draft attention to the “Environmental Pillar” of SD occurs mainly in the context of a changing role for UNEP in IFSD, and environment and climate are bundled among 15 “priority” issues and 17 proposed SDGs.

Possible sublimation of “environment” may also be evident in the evolution of conference names: Stockholm 1972 Conference on the Human Environment > Rio 1992 Conference on Environment and Development > Rio 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development > Rio 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development.

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Issues: Supportive Initiatives

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is leading a global initiative on achieving Sustainable Energy for All by 2030.

Sustainable Energy for All, a global partnership between governments, the private sector and civil society, is designed to take actions to scale and foster innovative new public-private actions for sustainable energy.

Sustainable Energy for All has three objectives: Ensure universal access to modern energy services, Double the global rate of improvement of energy efficiency, and Double the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

To deliver universal energy access the International Energy Agency (IEA) has found that half of all energy services must be provided by off-grid clean energy.

(Credit: UN)

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Issues: Supportive Initiatives

Ban Ki-moon has also established a High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability (GSP) to formulate a new blueprint for sustainable development and low-carbon prosperity.

The GSP Panel's final report - "Resilient People, Resilient Planet: A Future Worth Choosing" - contains 56 recommendations to put sustainable development into practice and to mainstream it into economic policy.

“In order to decouple production and consumption from natural resource use and environmental degradation, narrow concepts of GNP should be supplemented by indices or indicators which measure sustainable development.” – Resilient People, Resilient Planet

(Credit: UN)

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Positions: Issues & GeoPolitics

GLOBAL GEOPOLITICSPalestinian Authority will ask Rio+20 to upgrade PA’s "observing entity" status in UNEP to that of "observing state" status, in hopes of duplicating the success it had in achieving UNESCO membership , in order to advance efforts to gain international recognition for statehood.

Anti-Agenda 21 factions claim that Agenda 21 and Rio+20 will destroy national sovereignty, propel global governance, and force redistribution of wealth and property.

ISSUESGreen Economy Developing countries want to ensure that any green economy’s environmental sustainability approach does not compromise growth or hinder poverty eradication efforts.

CBDR “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities,” one of the Rio Principles adopted in 1992, continues to be heralded by Developing countries as a model that retains national sovereignty and points to Developed countries for ODF (Official Development Funds), while the US, in particular, pushes for a more inclusive distribution of responsibilities.

Technology transfer Text in the Zero Draft reads “Technology development and transfer.” The US, Canada ,and Australia want to delete the word “transfer” and change the title to “Technology development, innovation and science,” and the EU prefers “Research, Innovation and Technology Development.” The issue revolves around intellectual property rights.

Elevate UNEP to Specialized Agency A specialized UN agency, favored by Turkey, Rep. of Korea, France and 100 others, would have universal membership. Opposed: US, Canada, Russia, Brazil.

Establishment of a Sustainable Development Council to replace UNCSD The new Council, opposed by the US and Japan, would have authority similar to that of the UN Human Rights Council.

SD target deadlines African leaders have expressed concern about European efforts to seek binding targets on sustainable development, fearing brakes would be applied to their economies by rich countries.

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Outcomes – Desired Outcomes

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon identifies three clusters of desired outcomes that could make Rio+20 the watershed it should be.

“new thinking and action.” Rio+20 must build on the success of the MDGs by advancing a new economic model of sustainable development based on the “triple bottom line” of job-rich economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion.

“about people.” Rio+20 must offer real improvement in daily lives through adequate nutrition, by giving voice to women as “engines of economic dynamism and social development,” and by creating opportunities for young people.

“waste not.” Rio+20 must call for smarter use of resources, protection of oceans, water, air and forests, and more livable cities in harmony with nature.

“Mother Earth has been kind to us, and we should reciprocate.” – Ban Ki-moon

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Conclusion – Beyond UN Process?

"The success – or failure – of Rio will have deep repercussions, define the aspirations of 3.5 billion young people, and shape the world we

leave for future generations.“ – Gro Harlem Brundtland on Rio+20

The multilateral governmental process – always complex, contentious and slow – is additionally challenged at Rio+20 by dismal economic conditions.

Yet, success may still be born from productive ideas and collaborations at the side events and through an emerging global model of grassroots change “going viral” beyond political borders, as evidenced in recent geopolitical upheavals.

Watch for ISciences’ post-Rio+20 analysis, available in July 2012 at http://www.isciences.com/spotlight/kyoto_and_beyond.html.

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Sources

Bazilian, Morgan, Alan Miller and Daniel M. Kammen. Making Rio+20 a Success. National Geographic, The Great Energy Challenge, published online April 4, 2012 at http://www.greatenergychallengeblog.com/2012/04/04/making-rio20-a-success/

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Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 46

Citation

When referencing this slide show please use the following citation.

ISCIENCES, L.L.C. The Road to Rio+20. A slideshow; 8th installment in the series Kyoto and Beyond – the Evolution of Multilateral Agreements on Climate Change. June 6, 2012. Ann Arbor, Michigan. www.isciences.com.