UPSC Prelims 2016 Q57: Environment & Ecology – International Environmental Treaties & Summits
With reference to 'Agenda 21', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following
statements:
1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development.
2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Agenda 21
Agenda 21 is a non-binding action plan of the United Nations on sustainable development.
The '21' refers to the 21st century.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development | Correct | To be carried out globally, nationally and locally |
| 2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002 | Incorrect | It was adopted at the Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro, 1992 |
Outcomes of the Rio Earth Summit (1992):
| Outcome | Type |
|---|---|
| Agenda 21 | Action plan |
| Rio Declaration | 27 principles |
| UNFCCC | Climate convention |
| Convention on Biological Diversity | Biodiversity convention |
| Forest Principles | Non-binding statement |
The Johannesburg summit (2002), also called Rio+10, only reaffirmed Agenda 21.
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Agenda 21 is a global action plan for sustainable development, adopted at Rio in 1992.
- (b) Incorrect. It did not originate at Johannesburg in 2002; that summit reaffirmed it.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; the origin is the Rio Earth Summit, 1992.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is true; it is indeed a plan for sustainable development.
Key point
Agenda 21: non-binding action plan for sustainable development adopted at the Rio Earth Summit (1992); reaffirmed at Johannesburg (2002).
Remember
Agenda 21 = Rio Earth Summit, 1992.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Rio 1992 with Johannesburg 2002 (Rio+10) or Rio+20 (2012).
- Thinking '21' is the number of goals; it means the 21st century.
- Assuming Agenda 21 is legally binding.
Exam tip
Rio 1992 gave five things: Agenda 21, Rio Declaration, UNFCCC, CBD and Forest Principles.
Sources
- United Nations — Agenda 21 (UN Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992)
- United Nations — Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (2002)