Why in news?
As debates on climate policy continue, analysts looked back at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to understand how it shaped global environmental governance and why its lessons remain relevant.
Background
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), popularly called the Earth Summit, was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 3 to 14 June 1992. It brought together heads of state, scientists, activists and NGOs from 179 countries, marking the twentieth anniversary of the landmark 1972 Stockholm Conference.
Objectives
The summit sought to balance economic development with environmental protection and to forge a new global partnership. It emphasised that ecological, social and economic concerns are interlinked and that sustainable development is the pathway to improving living standards without destroying the planet.
Major outcomes
- Rio Declaration: A set of 27 principles outlining the rights and responsibilities of states. It introduced the concept of “common but differentiated responsibilities”, recognising that rich countries bear greater responsibility for environmental damage.
- Agenda 21: A comprehensive plan of action for sustainable development at global, national and local levels. It covers poverty reduction, water and waste management, agriculture, energy and education.
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): A legally binding treaty to conserve biological diversity, use it sustainably and share benefits from genetic resources fairly.
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): An international treaty aimed at stabilising greenhouse‑gas concentrations in the atmosphere. It laid the foundation for later agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
- Forest Principles: A non‑binding statement promoting sustainable management of forests and recognising the role of indigenous communities.
Significance and legacy
- Institutional frameworks: The summit led to the creation of the Commission on Sustainable Development and stimulated national councils for sustainable development.
- Public awareness: It brought environmental issues into mainstream discourse and encouraged grassroots movements.
- Challenges ahead: Despite progress, environmental degradation continues, and many countries still struggle to implement Agenda 21. The 2012 Rio+20 conference reaffirmed commitments and launched the process that resulted in the Sustainable Development Goals.