{
  "id": "R42573",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "R42573",
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  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
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      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 412151,
      "date": "2012-06-18",
      "retrieved": "2016-04-07T00:03:52.272834",
      "title": "Rio+20: The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, June 2012",
      "summary": "The United Nations (U.N.) Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD or \u201cRio+20\u201d) convenes June 20-22, 2012, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This conference marks the 20th anniversary of the U.N. Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio in 1992. Governments participating in the 1992 meeting politically endorsed the objective of \u201csustainable development\u201d as achieving economic, environmental, and social development that \u201cmeets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.\u201d\nRio+20 begins from the premise and findings that the objectives of the 1992 Rio conference have not been achieved. The U.N.\u2019s fifth Global Environmental Outlook, published in June 2012, found significant progress toward only 4 of 90 internationally agreed goals associated with sustainable development. It found back-tracking on 8 goals. Stakeholders widely agree that changes in policies and institutions are desirable to improve implementation, but do not agree on means. It seems unlikely that Rio+20 will produce any agreements that would require congressional action or be legally binding. Some proceedings, however, may engender congressional interest in concepts proposed for simultaneously achieving economic, social, and environmental objectives. Rio+20 could influence views and actions internationally on development paths and practices, thereby affecting regional and global economies, demand for development aid, transnational environmental issues, and conflict incidence and resolution. Therefore, Congress may take interest in the conference. In addition, proceedings may reference the non-binding Agenda 21 produced at UNCED in 1992; media coverage could raise questions from constituents that Members may wish to address.\nThe Rio+20 organizers indicate that \u201c[g]overnments are expected to adopt clear and focused practical measures for implementing sustainable development, based on the many examples of success we have seen over the last 20 years.\u201d However, with strongly divergent views among the expected 115 Heads of State and up to 50,000 participants, Rio+20 may be more like a trade show than political negotiations. Indeed, some observers suggest that the conference may yield many deals among private participants. It is not expected to produce a treaty or any other binding commitments of national governments. Some observers wonder whether a meaningful communique can be successfully negotiated. High-level participants will be prompted to address issues that include\nthe definition of \u201cgreen economy,\u201d and whether a definition gives adequate emphasis to social aspects (e.g., \u201cfairness\u201d) of sustainable development;\nwhether \u201cSustainable Development Goals\u201d (SDGs) should replace or supplement the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), agreed by the U.N. General Assembly in 2000 and expected to end in 2015, as well as how SDGs might be negotiated, and what priorities might be set among them;\nhow to reform international environmental institutions, particularly whether the United Nations Environmental Program should be strengthened;\nwhat actions, if any, might lead to improved implementation of existing sustainable development goals, given slow progress so far;\nwhether governments may commit to greater financial and technological assistance to low-income countries to support their sustainable development.",
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      "typeId": "REPORTS",
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  "topics": [
    "Energy Policy"
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}