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.

1. Kyoto and Beyond
Road to Rio+20
The 8th installment in an ongoing
series on multilateral agreements
related to climate change
www.isciences.com June 6, 2012

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.
Other presentations in the Kyoto and Beyond series include*:
 2008 Kyoto and Beyond  2010 Road to Cancun COP16
 2009 Kyoto and Beyond, Update  2011 Report on Cancun COP16
 2009 Report on Copenhagen COP15  2011 Road to Durban
 2012 Report on Durban
* Available at http://www.isciences.com/spotlight/kyoto_and_beyond.html
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 2

3. Contents
Historical Background
Conference Overview
Multilateral Process
Issues & Positions
Possible Outcomes
NOTE: This presentation includes hyperlinks to additional information indicated by underlined text.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 3

4. Background: Timeline 1972-2012
1972 1992
Stockholm Rio de Janeiro
UN Conference on UN Conference on the
Sustainable Human Environment, 2002
Development Earth Summit Johannesburg
World Summit on
Sustainable
Development
1972 | 1982 | 1992 | 2002 | 2012
1987 1997
Brundtland Report New York 2012
“Our Common Rio+5 Rio de Janeiro
Future” UNGASS 19 UN Conference on
the Human
Environment,
Earth Summit
See also: Sustainable Development Timelines, Stakeholder Forum
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 4

5. 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.
Maurice Strong (left) with Conference President
One important outcome from Stockholm was the creation of the Ingemund Bengtsson (Credit: UN Photo)
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=1503
Report of the UN Conference on the Human Environment http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?documentid=97
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 5

6. Background: Brundtland, 1987
The 1987 Brundtland Report, “Our Common Future,” helped define
sustainable development.
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.
Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland
(Credit: The Leading Speakers Bureau)
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.
“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
* Note: Gro Harlem Brundtland will attend the 2012 Rio+20.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 6

7. Background: Earth Summit, 1992
The first global gathering on sustainability was the 1992 Earth
Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “If you don’t know how to fix it, please don’t
break it.” – 12-yr old Canadian Severn Cullis-
(Credit: UN) Suzuki at Earth Summit 1992
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.
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.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 7

8. 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.
"Our words have not been matched by deeds."
- Razali Ismail, UN General Assembly president, from Malaysia
See also: ENB Vol.5 No. 88, and Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 8

9. 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.
The JPI also identified three mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development.
Three Pillars of Sustainable Development
 Economic development
 Social development
 Environmental 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
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 9

10. 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.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 10

11. 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.
The Conference Secretariat is within DESA.
Sha Zukang
(Credit: UN)
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) (Credit: UN) 11

12. 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.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 12

13. Overview: Themes
Discussion at Rio+20 will be shaped by two themes: the Green Economy and
Institutional Framework.
Green Economy in the Context of Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development
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.
See also: UNCSD Issues Brief 1: Trade and Green Economy
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 13

14. Overview: Themes
The theme of Institutional Framework stresses the importance of integrating
sustainable development practices into global political institutions.
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).
See also: UNCSD Issues Brief 3: Issues related to an intergovernmental body on SD
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 14

15. 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]
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 15

16. Overview: Related Events
More than 500 on-site side events on sustainability will take place, and
the Sustainable Development Dialogues.
Sustainable Development
Dialogues - Topics
1. Sustainable development for
June 13-22 A wide-ranging circus of side events organized by fighting poverty
Major Groups, Governments, Organizations from the UN 2. Sustainable development as an
answer to the economic and
system, and other International Organizations, will take place financial crises
before and during the Conference. 3. Unemployment, decent work
and migrations
4. Economics of sustainable
June 16-19 The Sustainable Development Dialogues, a development, including
sustainable patterns of
Conference forum for civil society to engage in debate on key production and consumption
topics without the presence of UN Agencies or 5. Forests
6. Food and nutrition security
Governments, precedes the Conference’s High-Level 7. Sustainable energy for all
Discussions. 8. Water
9. Sustainable cities and innovation
10. Oceans
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 16

17. Overview: Brazil’s Leadership
As host country Brazil has a leadership role. Brazil’s leaders
emphasize economic growth as part of sustainability.
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 Dilma Vana Rousseff, President of Brazil
developing nations, will accept. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
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.
André Corrêa do Lago, Chief Negotiator for Brazil at Rio+20, reinforced Brazil’s
commitment to economic growth.
“…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
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 17

18. Overview: Brazil’s Readiness
Inadequate housing for the expected 50,000 visitors
has compromised Brazil’s role as host country.
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. (Credit: Klaus, Wikimedia Commons)
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.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 18

19. 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.
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.
Sook Kim (Republic of Korea)
and John Ashe (Antigua and
Barbuda) are Bureau Co-Chairs. (Credit: UN)
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 19

20. Process: Major Groups
The process includes input from nine “Major Groups,”
The UNCSD is an intergovernmental
formalized in Agenda 21 as the overarching categories process driven by Member states of the
through which all citizens could participate in UN United Nations with full involvement of
the UN system and Major groups.
activities on achieving sustainable development.
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
Major Groups
 Business and Industry  NGOs
 Children and Youth  Scientific and Technological Community
 Farmers  Women
 Indigenous Peoples  Workers and Trade Unions
 Local Authorities
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 20

21. 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 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.
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
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 21

22. 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.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 22

23. 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.
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.
"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
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 23

24. 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
No revised document was published and further decision-making was kicked
along to the last PrepCom, June 13-15, and to the Conference itself.
See also: ENB, Vol.27 No. 40
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 24

25. Process: Conference Schedule
The 3-day Conference schedule* will be an intense push to clarify
sustainable development directions for the next decade.
* No official Provisional Agenda available as of June 5.
Wednesday, June 20 Thursday, June 21 Friday, June 22
10: Opening Plenary 10-1: High Level Round Table 10-1: High Level Round
3: Ceremonial Opening 10-1: Morning Plenary Table
4:30: High Level Round 3-6: High Level Round Table 10-1: Morning Plenary
Table 3-6: Afternoon Plenary 3-6: Afternoon Plenary
6: Evening Plenary, if 6: Evening Plenary, if
required required
In parallel with and between official events, there will be numerous side
events, exhibitions, presentations, fairs and announcements by a wide range
of partners.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 25

26. Process: World Leaders
Who is and is not attending Rio+20? About 115 heads of state have committed.
YES NO
Vladimir Putin Barack Obama
President, Russia President, US
Wen Jiabao Julia Gillard
Premier, China Prime Minister, Australia
Francois Hollande Angela Merkel
President, France Chancellor, Germany
Jacob Zuma
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad President, S. Africa
Manmohan Singh President, Iran David Cameron
Prime Minister, India Prime Minister, UK
Stephen Harper
Felipe Calderon Prime Minister, Canada
Yousaf Raza Gillani President, Mexico Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister, Prime Minister, Japan
Pakistan
(Photo Credits: EarthSummit2012.org )
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.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 26

27. Issues: SD Commitments
Currently, commitments to sustainable development goals
Commitment Areas
at Rio+20 are voluntary, and are tracked through a Biodiversity, Forests & Other Ecosystems
Chemicals & Waste
“Compendium of Commitments.” Climate Change
Education
Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
Gender Equality
Green Jobs-Social Inclusion
Land Degradation & Desertification
Measuring SD Progress (through indicators)
Mountains
Natural Disaster Preparedness
Poverty Eradication
Public Awareness and Communications on
SD
Oceans and Seas, SIDS
Other Important Sustainable Development
Areas
SD Economics, Finance and Trade
(Credit: UN)
SD Strategies and Policies
The Compendium is an online registry of pledges by governments, Sustainability Management
Sustainable Cities
civil society and the private sector through which registrants Sustainable Consumption & Production
Sustainable Energy
describe tangible deliverables with estimated timelines. Sustainable Transport
Technology and Innovation
Water
“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
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 27

28. 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.
Full development of SDGs – definitions, objectives, and targets – is not
generally expected as a concrete deliverable from Rio, but would occur
after Rio.
See also: Rio+20 Issues Brief 6
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 28

29. 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 9. Sustainable agriculture
production 10. Green cities
2. Sustainable livelihoods, youth, 11. Subsidies and investment
and education 12. New indicators of progress
3. Climate sustainability 13. Access to information
4. Clean energy 14. Public participation
5. Biodiversity 15. Access to redress and remedy
6. Water 16. Environmental justice for the poor
7. Healthy seas and oceans (blue and marginalized
economy) 17. Basic health
8. Healthy forests
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?page=view&nr=273&type=230&menu=39
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 29

30. 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
Discussions suggest reforming UNEP’s damage we are bringing to bear on the
sustainability of our planet.” – Achim
structure and authority. Proposals for reform Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, UN Under-
include: Secretary-General, and Chair UN Environment
Management Group
 Strengthening UNEP, or;
 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.
The Commission on Sustainable Development could be transformed into a Sustainable
Development Council with authority similar to the UN Human Rights Council.
IFSD would also involve integration of SD into policies of International
Financial Institutions such as: World Bank, IMF, regional development banks,
UNTAD, and WTO.
See also: A Pocket Guide to Sustainable Development Governance.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 30

31. Issues: Green Economy
Charting a path to a “green economy” means developing economic engines
that support sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and lower
environmental impacts.
 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. According to a study released by the UN
International Labour Organization net
 Global measures of progress through targets gains of 0.5 percent to 2 percent in total
and timeline: indicators global employment are possible through
a green economy, mainly through more
(2012~2015), implementation 2015~2030; renewable and efficient energy use.
comprehensive assessment (2030).
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 31

32. Issues: “GDP+” & “Natural Capital”
The need for new metrics in a green economy has stimulated discussions on
development of “GDP+” and valuation of “natural capital.”
“GDP+” is an emerging metric concept for natural, human and
manufactured capital considered together to obtain a more
comprehensive value.
“Natural capital” refers to the stock of ecosystems that provides
a renewable flow of goods and services, and to the economics of
(Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
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.
"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
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 32

33. 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?”
While human developmental issues are being discussed – MDGs, Possible sublimation of
right to water, women’s rights, rights of decent employment – “environment” may also be
evident in the evolution of
alongside debates on the rights to economic and technological conference names: Stockholm
advancement, the word “environment” is rarely heard above the 1972 Conference on the Human
Environment > Rio 1992
clamor. Conference on Environment
and Development > Rio 2002
In the Zero Draft attention to the “Environmental Pillar” of SD World Summit on Sustainable
occurs mainly in the context of a changing role for UNEP in IFSD, Development > Rio 2012
Conference on Sustainable
and environment and climate are bundled among 15 “priority” Development.
issues and 17 proposed SDGs.
“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
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 33

34. 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,
(Credit: UN)
 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.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 34

35. 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.
(Credit: UN)
“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
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 35

36. Positions: Issues & GeoPolitics
ISSUES
Green 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.
GLOBAL GEOPOLITICS
Palestinian 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.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 36

37. 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
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 37

38. Conclusion – Beyond UN Process?
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.
"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
Watch for ISciences’ post-Rio+20 analysis, available in July 2012 at
http://www.isciences.com/spotlight/kyoto_and_beyond.html.
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 38

39. 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/
Brazil, Government of (Official Web Site). Transcript of Conference Call - Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago . Feb.
16, 2012. http://www.brasil.gov.br/para/press/conferences/march-1/transcript-of-conference-call-
ambassador-andre-correa-do-lago/br_model1?set_language=en
Brundtland, Gro Harlem, and Fernando Henrique Cardoso. May 31, 2012. 4 Ways to Save Rio+20 Summit on
Sustainable Development. Christian Science Monitor.
http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2012/0531/4-ways-to-save-Rio-20-summit-on-
sustainable-development
Cruickshank, Emlyn W., Kirsty Schneeberger, Nadine Smith, (Eds). Pocket Guide to Sustainable Development, 2nd
Ed . Stakeholder Forum.
http://www.stakeholderforum.org/fileadmin/files/PocketGuidetoSDGEdition2webfinal.pdf. Downloaded May
10, 2012.
Deen, Thalif. U.N. Fails to Finalise Rio+20 Plan on Sustainable Future. May 7, 2012. AlertNet.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/un-fails-to-finalise-rio20-plan-on-sustainable-future
Earth Summit Canada. Earth Summit History. Accessed Apr. 2012. http://earthsummit.ca/about-earth-
summit/earth-summit-history/
EurActive.com. Apr. 25, 2012. EU plays down expectations for Rio Earth Summit.
http://www.euractiv.com/sustainability/eu-plays-expectations-rio-earth-summit-news-512344
Foti, Joseph. 2012. Working Paper Mar. 2012, Promises Kept: Ensuring Ambition and Accountability through a Rio
+20 “Compendium of Commitments.” World Resources Institute. http://www.wri.org/publication/promises-
kept
Foti, Joseph. May 1, 2012. Beyond Rhetoric at Rio+20 with the “Compendium of Commitments.” World Resources
Institute Insights. http://insights.wri.org/news/2012/05/beyond-rhetoric-rio20-compendium-commitments
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 39

40. Sources
Fraser, Barbara J. May 29, 2012. Rio+20: Still trying to map a sustainable future for the world . Catholic News
Service, US Catholic. http://www.uscatholic.org/news/2012/05/rio20-still-trying-map-sustainable-future-
world
Frayssinet, Fabiana. Apr. 20, 2012. Brazil Must Do More for Rio+20, Former Ministers Say.
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=107514
Goldenberg, Suzanne. Ban Ki-moon calls Obama's presence 'crucial' at Rio+20 Earth summit. The Guardian. Apr.
20, 2012. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/apr/20/ban-obama-rio-earth-
summit?newsfeed=true
Heilprin, John. May 31, 2012. UN study foresees job gains with greener policies. Bloomberg Business News.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-05/D9V3NR303.htm
IISD Reporting Services, Linkages. Second Round of ‘Informal-Informal’ Negotiations on the zero draft of outcome
document of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD or Rio+20) Summary Highlights for the
Meeting. Apr. 24, 2012.http://www.iisd.ca/uncsd/iinzod2/
IISD Reporting Services. May 29, 2012. UN Secretary-General Urges Negotiators Forward on Outcome Document.
http://uncsd.iisd.org/news/un-secretary-general-urges-negotiators-forward-on-outcome-document/
IISD. June 30, 1997. Earth Negotiations Bulletin Vol 5 No 88. http://www.iisd.ca/download/pdf/enb0588e.pdf
IISD. June 5, 2012. Earth Negotiations Bulletin Vol 27 No 40. http://www.iisd.ca/download/pdf/enb2740e.pdf
Inwin, Aisling. Warnings against SDG 'rush' ahead of Rio+20 Summit. May 3, 2012. SciDevNet.
http://www.scidev.net/en/science-and-innovation-policy/science-at-rio-20/news/warnings-against-sdg-rush-
ahead-of-rio-20-summit.html
International Energy Agency. World Energy Outlook 2011.
http://www.iea.org/papers/2011/weo2011_energy_for_all.pdf
IPS. May 29, 2012. North-South Divide Looms Heavily Over Rio+20 Summit, IPS U.N. Bureau Chief Thalif Deen
Interviews Branislav Gosovic, author and former staffer on the Brundtland Commission on Environment.
http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=107952
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 40

41. Sources
Khor, Martin. June 4, 2012. Rich Nations Changing Tune. The StarOnline.
http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2012/6/4/columnists/globaltrends/11411605&sec=globaltr
ends
Ki-moon, Ban. The Future We Want. May 23, 2012. New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/24/opinion/the-future-we-want.html?_r=1
Justmeans.com. Rio+20 Or Bust: Zero Draft Of Outcome Document For The UN Conference on Sustainable
Development Released. Accessed on Mar. 14. 2012.
http://www.justmeans.com/Rio-20-or-Bust-Zero-Draft-of-Outcome-Document-for-UN-Conference-on-
Sustainable-Development-Released/51488.htm United Nations. Jan. 10, 2012. The Future We Want.
http://www.stakeholderforum.org/fileadmin/files/zerodraft110112.pdf
Lee, Matthew Russell. At UN, Right to Info Stripped from Rio + 20, Extra Week Set, Indigenous Silenced? May 4,
2012. Inner City Press. http://www.innercitypress.com/rio1info050412.html
Living on Earth. Anticipating Rio+20. Transcript of online audio stream, airdate week of June 1, 2012. PRI
Environmental News Magazine. http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.html?programID=12-P13-
00022&segmentID=2
Mainichi. June 2, 2012. Rio+20 may fail to seek roadmap for global shift to green economy.
http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20120602p2g00m0dm040000c.html
Ministerio de Relacions Exteriores, Republica de Colombia. 2011. RIO + 20: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
A Proposal from the Governments of Colombia and Guatemala.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/content/documents/colombiasdgs.pdf
Mungcal, Ivy. May 7, 2012. Green economy a key sticking point in Rio+20 talks. DevEx.
http://www.devex.com/en/news/blogs/green-economy-a-key-sticking-point-in-rio-20-talks?blog_id=the-
development-newswire
Mungcal, Ivy. May 16, 2012. Brazil teases wish list for Rio+20. DevEx.
http://www.devex.com/en/news/blogs/brazil-teases-wish-list-for-rio-20?blog_id=the-development-newswire
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 41

42. Sources
NewsMedical. Outcomes of next month's Rio+20 summit will have 'deep repercussions' for future generations.
May 30, 2012. [Reprinted from KaiserHealth News] http://www.news-
medical.net/news/20120530/Outcomes-of-next-months-Rio2b20-summit-will-have-deep-repercussions-for-
future-generations.aspx
One Country. Earth Summit + 5, downbeat in its assessment of progress since Rio, sends NGOs home with new
energy. Volume 9, Issue 1 April - June 1997. http://www.onecountry.org/oc91/oc9106as.html
Stakeholder Forum. Objectives and Themes. Earth Summit 2012. Accessed Apr. 25, 2012.
http://www.earthsummit2012.org/beta/objectives-and-themes
UNEP Finance Initiative, Global Canopy Programme, Centro de Estudos em Sustentabilidade de EAESP. Natural
Capital Declaration. April 2012. http://www.naturalcapitaldeclaration.org/wp-
content/uploads/2012/04/NaturalCapitalDeclaration.pdf
United Nations. June 1992. Agenda 21. http://www.freedomadvocates.org/images/pdf/Agenda21-
Earth%20Summit-The%20United%20Nations%20Programme%20of%20Action%20From%20Rio.pdf
United Nations. Sept. 15, 2011. Declaration of the 64th Annual UN DPI/NGO Conference 2 Chair’s Text 3
Sustainable Societies; Responsive Citizens.
http://www.un.org/wcm/webdav/site/ngoconference/shared/Documents/Final%20Declaration/Chair%27s%
20Text.pdf
United Nations. Dec. 22, 2010. Objective and Themes of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable
Development, Report of the Secretary General.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/content/documents/N1070657.pdf
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Rio+20: Themes. Accessed on Mar. 14, 2012.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?menu=61
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 42

43. Sources
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Jan 10, 2012. Zero Draft.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/content/documents/370The%20Future%20We%20Want%2010Jan%20clea
n%20_no%20brackets.pdf
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. 2011. UNCSD Issues Brief 1: Trade and Green Economy.
UNCSC Secretariat and UNCTAD.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/content/documents/Issues%20Brief%201%20-
%20Trade%20and%20Green%20Economy%20FINAL%20Mar%2011.pdf
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. UNCSD Issues Brief 3: IFSD: Issues related to an
intergovernmental body on SD. 2011. UN-DESA.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/content/documents/209Issues%20Brief%203%20-
%20IFSD%20SD%20Body_final_final_111111.pdf
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. UNCSD Issues Brief 4: Oceans. 2011. UN-DESA.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/content/documents/216Issues%20Brief%20No%204%20Oeans_FINAL.pdf
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. UNCSD Issues Brief 5: Sustainable Cities. 2011. UN-DESA.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/content/documents/217Issues%20Brief%20No%205%20Sustainable%20Ci
ties%20FINAL.pdf
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. UNCSD Issues Brief 6: Current Ideas on Sustainable
Development Goals and Indicators. 2099. UN-DESA.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/content/documents/218Issues%20Brief%206%20-
%20SDGs%20and%20Indicators_Final%20Final%20clean.pdf
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. UNCSD Issues Brief 7: Green jobs and social inclusion.
2001. UN-DESA.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/content/documents/224Rio2012%20Issues%20Brief%207%20Green%20jo
bs%20and%20social%20inclusion.pdf
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 43

44. Sources
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. UNCSD Issues Brief 8: Reducing Disaster Risk and
Building Resistance. UN-DESA. http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/content/documents/225ib8.pdf
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. UNCSD Issues Brief 9: Food Security and Sustainable
Agriculture. 2011. UN-DESA.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/content/documents/227Issues%20Brief%209%20-
%20FS%20and%20Sustainable%20Agriculture%20CLCnew.pdf
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. UNCSD Issues Brief 11: Water. 2011. UN-DESA.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/content/documents/231Water%20for%20posting.pdf
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Bureau Co-Chairs, Vitae Civilis Institute. Apr. 17, 2012.
Negotiated Draft as of 28th March 2012 with Co-Chairs’ Suggested Text.
http://vitaecivilis.org/home/images/stories/Docs/Rio_mais_20/RascunhoUm_Rio20-_editado_livremente-
21Abr2o.pdf
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Secretary-General's Report on Objectives and Themes
of the United Nations Conference, UNDESA. Accessed on Mar. 14. 2012.
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?page=view&type=400&nr=10&menu=45
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Sustainable Development. Agenda 21.
http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/agenda21/. Accessed May 10, 2012.
United Nations General Assembly. Aug. 14. 1992. NON-LEGALLY BINDING AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT OF
PRINCIPLES FOR A GLOBAL CONSENSUS ON THE MANAGEMENT, CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT OF ALL TYPES OF FORESTS. http://www.un.org/documents/ga/conf151/aconf15126-
3annex3.htm
United Nations General Assembly. Aug. 4, 1987. Our Common Future. Report of the World Commission on
Sustainable Development.
http://www.are.admin.ch/themen/nachhaltig/00266/00540/00542/index.html?lang=en&download=NHzLpZ
eg7t,lnp6I0NTU042l2Z6ln1ad1IZn4Z2qZpnO2Yuq2Z6gpJCDdnx6gmym162epYbg2c_JjKbNoKSn6A
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 44

45. Sources
United Nations General Assembly. Aug. 12, 1992. RIO DECLARATION ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT.
http://www.un.org/documents/ga/conf151/aconf15126-1annex1.htm
United Nations International Labour Organization. 2012. Working for Sustainable Development-Opportunities for
Decent Work and Social Inclusion in a Green Economy. http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---
ed_emp/---emp_ent/documents/publication/wcms_181836.pdf
United Nations News Centre. Countries begin last round of talks on outcome document ahead of Rio+20
conference. May 29, 2012. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=42106&Cr=Rio+20&Cr1 United
Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Services. Rio+20 Zero Draft Outcome Document released. Accessed on
Mar. 14. 2012.
http://www.un-ngls.org/spip.php?article3646
United Nations Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Global Sustainability. Jan. 30, 2012. Resilient People,
Resilient Planet: A future worth choosing.
http://www.un.org/gsp/sites/default/files/attachments/GSP_Report_web_final.pdf
WWF. June 4, 2012. A call from WWF to measure what we treasure.
http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?205080/A-call-from-WWF-to-measure-what-we-treasure
Road to Rio+20 (ISCIENCES, L.L.C.) 45

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