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| UNED (UK) Forum A few brief 'bullets' from one participant at the UNED (UK) Forum, 22nd January, School of Oriental & African Studies, London about UK contribution to Preparatory meetings now underway, for Johannesburg Earth Summit. Well attended. Very varied. Participants average age about 40. John Gummer, MP * 'stakeholder' inclusion good, although it makes organisation of Earth Summit difficult. Yet to succeed, need 'stakeholder', i.e. all of us, involvement * since Rio -- changed language of politicians, not actions * Minister of Environment at bottom of government. Need opposition. * Blair, like Thatcher, first to say would go * not clear what we want to achieve * some of government not enthused about Johannesburg or sustainable development (SD) * Treasury: and DTI (sustainable trade!) (transport, planning and SD.) * Opposition needs expert help from FOE, Soil Association etc * SD not good, but no better alternative, as yet. Need development and sustainability -- SD won't go without justice * be practical -- start at home * church very essential (he's read Earth Spirituality) John Gordon (UNED-UK) * stakeholder necessary if Earth Summit to work. Bottom up -- to government -- to summit * much involvement, e.g. Unions, womens groups, churches, * haven't involved media; need more interest, finance from government! REPORTS FROM THE UNED UK COMMITTEES. Cities and Communities * vital. Main consumers. * planning should be more SD inclusive * strengthen Agenda 21 globally * UK government more for 'liveability' than sustainability. Recognise linkage * include poverty. Environment as human right? Biodiversity * links with all issues * water shortages growing Education in SD * include in all groups -- at all levels * part of LA21? Energy & Climate * government in denial -- public ignorant and in denial * Royal Society -- reduce by 60% * Conclusion -- let government support educational efforts about climate. * renewables Production & Consumption * need to help individuals to link and make changes. Need consumer demand for sustainable. Not there yet. * hence producers hold back * need practical framework for producers and consumers for SD * includes food miles! -- sustainable water charges -- energy too * TNCs infiltrating schools to teach 'sustainable' consumption!? * resistance to sustainable tourism. Public in denial re. damage of mass air tourism. Population * still denial (in both worlds) re. population, and its effects on deteriorating environment and poverty. Key issue of Johannesburg Earth Summit UK in Wider World 1) poverty and development; 2) Globalisation, TNCs, poverty 3) National security * Earth Summit should discuss limits of globalisation for sustainability * regional eco-centres? * governments, including US and UK, don't want on agenda: effects of conflict on refugees and environment etc * water wars -- arable land wars (UK??), possible. Michael Meacher, MP * write all ministers. Involve all. * use internet * DEFRA surprised at how little mail on Earth Summit * many journalists not interested * no 'big idea' yet * UK government wants to be practical * 'make globalisation work for SD?' -- typical rhetoric from DEFRA: The UK government hopes the Earth Summit will 'make globalisation work for sustainable development'. * government now working on water, forestry, financial services -- SD for Africa. by Dr Edward P. Echlin |
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