| Looking to Rio+20: Commission argues the green economy is just one aspect of Sustainable Development |
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On 7 July, the European Economic and Social Council (EESC) held the hearing “European Civil Society on the Road to Rio+20”. Taking part were members of civil society, the Commission and business interests. During the meeting it was argued by all present that the green economy was just one aspect of Sustainable Development, alleviating some worries surrounding the recent Commission Communication on Rio+20 that seemingly overestimated the role of a green economy. Mr Jakub Wejchert from DG Environment (DG ENV) presented the Commission’s communication, “Rio+20: towards the green economy and reinforced governance” arguing they wished to provide clear tools for transition to a green economy relevant to all countries in all stages of development. Mr Wejchert was keen to stress that the green economy was just one facet of sustainable development, and the Communication should be viewed as the first step in the EU negotiation process in establishing a common position for Rio+20. “We have not mentioned everything we could have done in this Communication, we are yet to play all our cards” stated the official. Current policy proposals from the Commission include reinforcing international partnerships on water, renewable energy and energy efficiency, international targets on marine pollution and waste, and incentivising private investment for transition to a green economy. Mr Wejchert further argued that “Sustainable Development Goals”, similar to the concept of the Millennium Development Goals have been strongly supported as an outcome for Rio+20 in bilateral meetings with a variety of countries. During the meeting, Ms Sally Nicolson from the World Wildlife Federation argued that the concepts of equity and social justice were missing from the Communication. She went on to state “a Green Economy is not a magic bullet. It will not automatically bring prosperity for the poor and achieve the MDGs unless economies are properly managed, natural capital effectively and equitably governed and basic access of distribution and access tackled”. Ms Nicholson also expressed fears around the concept of partnerships, stating that if these are to be an outcome of Rio+20, previous failures (and successes) in environmental partnerships must be scrupulously evaluated. Mr Yorgos Altintzis from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) welcomed the Commissions Communication but argued “the principle of equality must be enshrined in the green economy”. With this in mind, Mr Altintzis called for the elimination of tax havens, a commitment to a social floor and the launch of a global Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) to be outcomes of Rio+20. “The current economic model has not provided decent lives and jobs for the masses as well as caused environmental depletion. Rio+20 should seek to redress this balance by implementing far reaching reforms within which the principle of equality is a must.” Sources:  |
