Agenda 21
Agenda 21 has since been replaced by the Council's Environmental
Management System and the Climate Change agenda. However the themes
behind Agenda 21 are still relevant, and therefore for
reference only.
Agenda 21 is an Agenda for the 21st Century, which was a plan
drawn up and agreed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Over 120 nations signed up to Agenda 21, an agenda for sustainable
development. Sustainable development considers the impact on our
future, of the balance between environmental, economic and social
issues of today's activities, policies and new developments.
The Agenda 21 agreement covers a range of issues and gives
responsibilities to different groups. This includes an obligation
for local councils all over the world to draw up and implement
Local Agenda 21 plans. Part of this Local Agenda 21 process is
concerned with engaging the local community and raising awareness
of issues relating to sustainability such as energy efficiency,
recycling, transport and water and environmental conservation.
What Agenda 21 covers
Internationally, the Agenda 21 plan included a very wide range
of subjects. The list below gives the main headings of the
International Agenda 21 document (see link below), illustrating the
topics and themes that it covers.
Social and Economic Dimensions
- International co-operation
- Combating poverty
- Changing consumption patterns
Population and sustainability
- Protecting and promoting human health
- Sustainable human settlements, making decisions
for sustainability
Conserving/Managing Resources
Protecting the atmosphere
Managing land sustainability
Combating deforestation
Combating desertification and drought
Sustainable mountain development
Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable rural development
Conservation of biological diversity
Management of biotechnology
Protecting and managing the oceans
Protecting and managing fresh water
Safer use of toxic chemicals
Managing hazardous waste and sewage
Managing radioactive waste
Strengthening Major Groups
Women
Children and Youth
Indigenous People
Partnerships with Non Government
Organisations
Local Authorities
Workers and Trade Unions
Business and Industry
Scientists and Technologists
Strengthening the Role of Farmers
Means of Implementation
Financing Sustainable Development
Technology Transfer
Science for Sustainable Development
Education, Training, Public Awareness
Creating Capacity
Organising for Sustainability
International Law
Information for Decision-making
The UK plan sets out four main issues that need to be addressed,
these are:
- Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone, by
strengthening major groups such as women, children, local
authorities and trade unions.
- Effective protection of the environment - such as protecting
the atmosphere, tackling deforestation, conserving biodiversity and
managing radioactive waste.
- Prudent use of natural resources, for example consumption of
fossil fuels (such as oil coal and gas) in energy production and
transport.
- Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and
employment by increasing education, technology and law.