Earth Summit - nothing for the poor; nothing for the environment

3 September 2002

The verdict of Trade Justice Movement organisations attending the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg was "crumbs for the poor".

Oxfam reported: "After nine days of bluster the world gets some gains on a few environmental issues, and on sanitation for the poor. But over all the deal as it appears today is feeble: a triumph for greed and self-interest, a tragedy for poor people and the environment."

World leaders allowed US bullying, corporate lobbying and outdated economic thinking to stop progress, said Friends of the Earth.

Paul Ladd, Christian Aid's head of policy, said: "Political leaders have made it clear they lack the vision and courage needed to tackle the problems of poverty and environmental degradation. From Rio to Johannesburg, the real shift has been in giving a more influential role to business, particularly big business." 

"More than ever, companies are centre stage in sustainable development, yet the Summit has a whole has failed to provide a sufficiently strong regulatory framework to ensure their activities genuinely serve the interests of poor people," says Ladd.

The only glimmer of hope is that for the first time proper regulation of multinational companies has been placed on the agenda, said Barry Coates, director of the World Development Movement. 

Coates said: "The NGOs and developing countries that have achieved this in the face of fierce opposition from rich governments deserve massive credit. But it will be a long struggle to get a binding, enforceable agreement."

Detailed reports on Earth Summit outcomes:

» At-a-glance summary of outcomes 
» Spotlight on the Summit 
» Earth Summit - where next?
»

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