The global economic crisis has consumed global political agendas and replaced what was previously the most important and most talked about issue; that of the environment. For many Western nations, whose politics is now so focused on economic stability and growth, discussions and pre-occupations regarding the environment are often considered indulgences that these nations cannot afford. However for developing nations the environment is still a highly critical issue, one that will define their future economics, social issues and ultimately survival. This conflict of interests has led to problems surrounding the talks in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, the latest set of talks to try to achieve a global environmental policy.
The G77, a group of developing nations, walked out of talks because the western nations have failed, in the initial drafts, to promise the financial aid that is needed, to allow simultaneous environmental protection and economic development. For the developing nations, in order to protect natural habitats they have to ensure a financial package is put in place to compensate for the lack of profit from not exploiting these resources.
However Western nations are not likely to respond quickly to shore up this financial package. The world’s leading nations are all suffering economic recession and with the future of the eurozone in the balance, the desire to pledge support for green economic development in the developing world is unlikely to be fulfilled. Even some of the world’s most important leaders, including Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, are placing Greece’s political and economic status above that of success in the Rio talks, by returning to Europe following Greece’s election, rather than travel to Brazil.
In addition to the issues over finance, everyday politics has eclipsed the start of these talks. Many delegations, including that of the US, have protested the presence of a Palestinian delegation. The Palestinians have recently been made a member of UNESCO, and through their mission of sustainable development, believed they had the right to a place at the talks. However the USA have objected and their inclusion in the talks may hamper further discussions over the next week.
Fundamentally though this talk is one that focuses on the environment and sustainable development, many could argue that the core aims of the talks are being lost among discussion over national politics and financial issues and Rio+20 may be in danger of failing before it has even begun. It is now the responsibility of the Brazilian hosts to save the talks and establish some form of compromise that brings developing and developed nations together, allowing for progress in the talks.
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