Difference between revisions of "Environmental NGOs"
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*Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer (Speth 2002). | *Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer (Speth 2002). | ||
| − | By the mid 1990s each of these ten issues had become the subject of major international treaties, plans of action or other initiatives (i.e. The Rio Conference held in 1992 and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) in 1994). This new global agenda arose and moved forward due to the international response of people in science, government, the UN, and NGOs that formed in the first decades of the environmental movement (Speth 2002). | + | By the mid 1990s each of these ten issues had become the subject of major international treaties, plans of action or other initiatives (i.e. The Rio Conference held in 1992 and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) in 1994). This new global agenda arose and moved forward due to the international response of the community of people in science, government, the UN, and NGOs that formed in the first decades of the environmental movement (Speth 2002). |
==History of Environmental NGOs Within the UN System== | ==History of Environmental NGOs Within the UN System== | ||
Revision as of 11:08, 4 August 2008
Contents
Introduction
Recent decades have seen an increase in the number, role, and functions of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with an environmental focus. As transnational actors in civil society, these environmental NGOs seek to directly impact and influence environmental issues on the international, national, and local levels. This article will address how the rise of global awareness of the environment led to the creation and development of environmental NGOs in response to these issues, their objectives and roles, and the outlook for their participation and impact on these issues in the future.
The environment emerged as a new critical international issue in the 1970s. Concerns such as the depletion of natural resources, climate change, and harmful pollutants began to gain awareness in the public’s mind. The environmental movement in the United States, for example, emerged from incidents and individuals reacting to governments who were slow or unwilling to address issues and problems.
The UN system played an integral role in the promotion and creation of environmental NGOs. Two important international conferences established a platform for groups to organize, set agendas, and make policy recommendations.
Today, issues such as global warming and sustainable development command world attention. The mandates and missions of environmental NGOs are directed towards promoting solutions, advocating action, and policing agreements and policies, including holding governments accountable for these treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol.
