1|Page

RAM MANOHAR LOHIYA

NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW

2018-2019
LAW OF ENVIRONMENT
[FINAL DRAFT]
ON
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND THE CONFLICTING INTERESTS OF NORTH AND SOUTH
SUBMITTED FOR THE PROJECT WORK UNDERTAKEN IN THE PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF B.A. LL.B. (HONS.) 5 YEARS INTEGRATED COURSE OF DR.
RAM MANOHAR LOHIYA NLU, LUCKNOW.

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF SUBMITTED BY

( ) ( )

MR.ABDULLAH NASIR YAMINI SINGH

ASISSTANT PROFESSOR ROLL NO: -171
DR. R.M.L.N.L.U. VI SEMESTER
2|Page

INTRODUCTION

“Nature does not wait. Nature does not negotiate with human beings.”

– Ban Ki-Moon

The economic theories in the beginning of industrialization, in their deadly desire of

economic growth had considered environment nothing but mere supplier of raw material for
final goods. But soon the blunder was realized and a new era of environmentally sound
economic development emerged.

The logic of sustainable development is simple-Economic development cannot stop, but it

must change its course to become less ecologically destructive. Economic appraisal and
environment accountability- both should go hand in hand. It is the development that meets
the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their
own needs.

The concept of ‘north-south divide’ i.e. the conflict between the developed and developing
nations which was earlier confined to international trade and access to free market, also
expanded its horizons to issues of global climate change and sustainable development after
Rio 1992. The blame game of who is responsible for this havoc which has been played with
environment, the concerns of developmental agenda of developing nations, disputes as to
transfer of technology etc. – were and still are major area of disagreement between developed
and developing nations even after recent Paris agreement in December, 2015.

Our paper intends to begin with giving holistic view of the conflicting interests of
environment and development and role of sustainable development. In our paper we will be
primarily providing the journey of concept of sustainable development from Rio 1992 to Rio
2012 with focus on the conflicting interests of developed and developing nations. At the end
we would present what role developing countries have to play to stop the probable collapse of
civilization which is not so far away in future.

Introduction: Sustainable Development: Inter and Intra Generational Development

The World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainable development

as- the development that meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of
3|Page

future generation to meet their own needs.1 Hence, we need ‘inter-generation’ as well as
‘intra generation’ equality. In more detailed manner the commission explains that sustainable
development is a process of change in which exploitation of resources, the direction of
investment, the orientation of technological development and institutional change are all in
synchronization and enhance both current and future potential to meet human needs and
aspirations.

Sustainable Development is a multidimensional phenomenon, undertaking to achieve a

higher quality of life for all people. Economic Development, Social Development and
Environment Protection are interdependent and mutually reinforcing components of
sustainable development. 2 Three of them are incomplete without feature of sustainability-

Economic Sustainability- People have right to economic and social development and to
3
discard ignominy of widespread poverty. For this we need rapid economic growth.
Maintaining growth rate is essential for social stability and peace. But such growth will soon
hit dead end if we do not embrace it with sustainability. Economic Sustainability may be
defined as- the ability of the local economy to sustain itself without causing irreversible
damage to the natural resource base on which it depends, it implies maximizing productivity
of that local economy not in absolute terms but in sustainability of the other four dimensions
that are- social, natural, physical and political and their respective capital.4

Social Sustainability- As far as the social aspect of sustainable development is considered

then this dimension is equally important as economic and the ecological dimension. The
sociological approach calls for innovative social engineering and creative analysis work so as
to promote conductive, economic and social development. Social management tools and
cultural levers can be marshaled to mobilize social energy.5 Basically it includes ‘social
justice’ and ‘socio-economic equality’ where the development does not remain confined in
the chambers of rich, but trickle down to poorest of poor.

1
Brundtland Commission, 1987 as available at- < http://www.un-documents.net/wced-ocf.htm >
2
UN Definition of Sustainability. As available at- < http://www.un.org/en/sustainablefuture/sustainability.shtml
>
3
Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Man Mohan Singh at Launching of National Action Plan on Climate
Change, 30 June 2008.
4
Ramaswamy, S and G. Satish Kumar. “Environmental Sustainability Approaches and Policy Option. New
Delhi: Regal Publication, 2010. Pg. 11.
5
Ibid at Pg. 7.
4|Page

Environmental Sustainability- The concept of sustainable development involves three Es-

economy, equality and ecology.6 The environmental or ecology aspect involves realization
that we cannot take environment for granted. For the sake of numbers of GDP, GNP and Per
Capita income, environment cannot be ignored. Sustainable development can be achieved
through optimal use of natural resources on a sustainable basis and adoption of sound
ecological policies which ensure positive involvement of environment and growth.

Journey of Idea of Sustainable Development: From Rio 1992 to Rio 2012

Since beginning of human history the clash of Environment and development has existed.
The first time when cultivation started the conflict of cutting trees for agriculture must have
been there in the mind of early man.7 But, since last few centuries, we have seen
extraordinary gains in the statics of GNP, GDP, Per Capita income, especially after industrial
revolution, and hence the dilemma is ever growing. The key to better future between the
dilemma of environment and development is the middle path of sustainable development.

Rio 1992-

The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) was a

landmark in world history as it was first international political response to climate change and
called for sustainable development Following are the major outcomes of the conference-

Convention on Climate Change, signed by more than 130 nations, it included the adoption
of the UN Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This convention set out a framework
for action aimed at stabilising atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to
avoid dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.8

Convention on Biodiversity, believing in the intrinsic value of biological diversity, this

convention makes states responsible for conserving their biological diversity and for using
their biological resources in a sustainable manner. It sets the goal of conserving and
sustainably using biological diversity for the benefit of present and future generations.9

Ghorai, Santosh Kumar. “A Few New Words on Sustainable Development.” Environment and Sustainable
6

Development. Ed. Rajkumar Sen. New Delhi: Deep & Deep Publication, 2011. Pg. 57.
7
Ghorai, Kumar Santoshi. “A Few New Words on Sustainable Development.” Environment and Sustainable
Economic Development. Ed.- Raj Kumar Sen. New Delhi: Deep & Deep Publications Pvt. Ltd., 2011. Pg.76.
8
Preamble, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change <
https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/convkp/conveng.pdf
9
Preamble, Convention on Biological Diversity.< https://www.cbd.int/doc/legal/cbd-en.pdf >
5|Page

Agenda 21, was an action plan for developing the planet sustainably through the twenty-first
century, and on a broad statement of principles for protecting forests.10 Agenda 21 was the
overall document of the summit setting environment action plan with primary aim of
ensuring that development proceeds in a sustainable manner.

Rio 2012 –

From June 20 to 22, 2012, 50,000 delegates from various parts of the world, representing 190
states came together at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to discuss sustainability and development. The
summit was relevant development in recent environmental history as it marked the 20th
anniversary of the previous Rio Earth Summit1992. Following are the major outcomes of the
conference-

The Future We Want, this document of aspirations of Rio+20 articulates commitment to

sustainable development and to ensuring the promotion of economically, socially and
environmentally sustainable future for our planet and for the present and future generations.
11

Green Economy, appreciating the spirit of colour green, the Rio+20 summit set green
economy as theme. The wide term of green economy covers green technology, green
business. To reduce harms of ‘brown economy’, let’s go green!- It states.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), built upon the Millennium Development Goals and
converge with the post 2015 development agenda, it aims to establishe inclusive and
transparent intergovernmental process open to all stakeholders, with a view to developing
global sustainable development goals to be agreed by the General Assembly.12

International Climate Relation and Rio+20: The North- South Conflict

There is no realist or liberal position on whether the earth is warming and why.
- Keith L.
Shimko13

10
Bette Hileman, "Earth Summit Concludes with Agenda for Action, but Little Funding," Chemical and
Engineering News, 6 July 1992, p. 7-17.
11
As available at official website of Rio+ 20 Conference <
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/futurewewant.html >
12
Report of United Nation Conference on Sustainable Development <
http://www.uncsd2012.org/content/documents/814UNCSD%20REPORT%20final%20revs.pdf >
13
Shimko, Keith. “ International Relations: Perspectives, Controversies and Readings” 4th Edition Wadsworth
Cengage Learning, Pg. 323.
6|Page

The conflict between the developing nations, living in the Southern Hemisphere and the rich
industrial countries of the North, which was basically socio-economic phenomenon showing
clash of interest between north and south over issues of trade and security, is now an
environmental phenomenon after evolution of climate change regime. The tension between
rich and poor were heart of every environmental negotiation from Rio 1992 to Rio 2012
because rich nations have money and technology and south nations need it. Many of the
original aims of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro at both 1992 and 2012 got lost in
disagreements between the rich industrialised countries and the developing nations.

Bone of Contention-

Right of Development and the Legacy of Past

The developing world claiming their right to development opposes the upward harmonization
of environmental standards.-

a. Reminding of historic debt of unsustainability of developed nations, the developing

nations argue that much of the developed world’s wealth was derived from the cheap
and unsustainable extraction of natural resources. Although the North may now favor
greater environmental protection, but they have tremendous wealth derived from
unregulated development. Developing countries argue that it is hypocritical for the North
to deny less affluent countries the same development opportunities.
b. Second, there is widespread suspicion among developing countries that environmental
standards are being used by the North to keep the South at a competitive disadvantage.
These suspicions have led some to label global environmental protection efforts as “eco-
imperialism.”14

Differentiation over Contribution

Developed nation put burden of cost bearing of sustainable development on developing

economies on the ground that high income countries are having clean technology whereas
low-income level countries are with old and perhaps dirty technology leading to consumption
of more energy per unit production. South says north produces more pollution even using
sophisticated technologies whereas north says south produces more pollution with absolute
and outdated technologies. Developing countries argue that advanced industrialized

14
Global Change Instruction Program “North- South Conflict Over Environmental Protection and Resource
Management” University Corporation for Atmospheric Research <
http://www.ucar.edu/communications/gcip/m3elaw/m3pdfc3.pdf >
7|Page

economies have much greater material footprint and are unlikely to reduce their material
intensity as their way of life is not negotiable. Giving example of U.S.A. they say that
because of their consumerist national interest the US never ratified the Kyoto Protocol. But
ultimately these two situations have led to depletion of environmental resources on the one
side and degradation of environmental quality on the other side.15

Transfer of Technology-

The source of whole north-south conflict is dependence of developing nations for technology
to developed nations. The option depends upon the cost of imported and indigenous
technologies, availability of technology appropriate to our needs and term of access, and long
term prospects of indigenous development with spin off benefits. Transfer of sustainable
technology from north and south, on the other hand remains in muddy waters because of
intellectual property rights and competing commercial interests of north.

Common But differentiated responsibilities ( CBDR)”

The concept of "common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR)” has been a main source
of conflict. Recently at Rio +20 South Africa, India, and Brazil have argued vociferously for
the adoption of CBDR in green economy. Developed nations on the basis of so-called
equality demand that developing nations should take equal responsibility. But citing history
developing nations and placing relying upon arguments of technology, polluter pays, lack of
finance argue oppositely.

The point of differences were wide ranging but we are citing a few instances of sharp
disagreement as example of clash between north and south.

At Rio 1992,

a. Agenda 21 became bone of contention as a number of Agenda 21 issues were not agreed
upon prior to the conference like forest protection, desertification, financing, and who
would oversee implementation of Agenda 21. The developing countries suspected that
the preservation of their forests is advocated only so that these can act as a sink for the
carbon dioxide produced in the West. On this point the North-South standoff was
resolved by changing the language to text, "The parties will consider calling for a treaty
on forest issues." Thus making the document vague and weak.
15
Ramaswamy, S&G.Satish Kumar. “Environmental Sustainability Approaches and Policy Option.” New Delhi:
Regal Publication, 2010. Pg.16.
8|Page

b. A recommendation for funding the Agenda 21 by the Global Environmental Facility

(GEF) met with sharp opposition from the Third World, who were concerned that GEF’s
connection to the World Bank means control of the same in the hands of industrialized
world and the Third World has had little influence over it in the past.
c. The third convention, on bio-diversity, came under controversies because U.S.A. walked
out over open-ended financial commitments for the industrialised north and over who
would own the property rights to genetic discoveries in forest reserves.

At Rio+20-

What we saw at Rio+20 was nothing different from Rio 1992-a blame game between
developing and developed countries at the cost of environment. The proof can be the
exchange of such statements- British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg blamed developing
16
countries for being "antagonistic to our European ideas on the green economy." Whereas
Brazilian delegate and Senator Eduardo Braga said, "Europe is too absorbed by its economic
problems."17

a. Just days before Rio+20, G-20 summit i.e. summit of 20 largest and most populous
countries took place which find not even single mention of “Green Economy”. It shows
the attitude of north towards environment, argued various south nations. The developed
world was preoccupied with fiscal crises and economic stagnation at the Rio+20.18
b. The theme of Rio+20 was "green economy," an effort led by developed Western nations,
which was named as ‘financializes nature move of developed world’ by developing
world. The developing world criticize this initiative on the grounds that it ignores the
concerns of developing world, including malnourishment; the burden of tropical,
communicable, and neglected diseases; and access to clean water, sanitation, and
electricity.
c. Developing countries remained hesitant to agree to any binding targets or goals, which
they fear will negatively affect economic growth. India and China along with African
countries were able to push back a proposal to set timetables and targets for green
economy. Result was that the term ‘green economy’ could not be defined in a structured

16
Gray, Louise. “Rio+20: Nick Clegg Blames China for Disappointing Text” The Telegraph 21st June 2012 <
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/environment/9347888/Rio20-Nick-Clegg-blames-China-for-
disappointing-text.html
17
“Beyond Rio, Green Economy Can Give Us Hope” The Guardian 28 June 2012 <
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jun/28/rio-green-economics-hope > on
18
Monboit, George. “After Rio, We Know. Governments have given up on the Planet.” The Guardian 25 June
2012. < http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/jun/25/rio-governments-will-not-save-planet >
9|Page

manner leaving huge scope for loopholes. Developing countries simply put the job of
‘green economy’ on developed or industrialized countries on the grounds that such
developed countries have high R&D investment and more innovative technologies.
Further the ‘core’ countries have many market tools to protect themselves against shocks
suffered due to some bad innovations in economy.
d. The Group of 77 nations that represented the poorest countries on the globe maintained
that richer nations in Europe and the U.S. should recognize their "historic debt" which is
eating up a much greater amount of the globe's resources since the industrial revolution
began 250 years ago. They said that rich nations should finance environmental
improvements in the poorer nations, and also freely transfer technology that would help
the developing nations use more renewable energy and build cleaner industrial sectors.19

LIMA Deal-

The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP20 or CMP10 was held in Lima, Peru,
from December 1 to 12, 2014. This was the 20th yearly session of the Conference of the
Parties (COP 20) to the UNFCCC, 1992 and the 10th session of the Meeting of the Parties
(CMP 10) to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

UN Convention on Climate Change 1992 had divided the world into rich and poor (Annex 1
and Non-Annex 1, in UN jargon). The richer countries would take on carbon-cutting
commitments - the poorer ones would not. But in LIMA the old fashioned view of the world
was consigned to history, and a fresh air was allowed to peep in though not without a
desperate struggle. While poor countries say for example countries in sub-Saharan Africa
cannot be asked to make some level commitment as the big boys. But in situations where
countries like Singapore, with a gross domestic product per capita larger than Germany, are
still classed as a Non-Annex 1 (poor) country, then obviously voices for reform grow strong.
Though the text reiterates the importance of "common but differentiated responsibilities" but
it adds an important rider: "in light of different national circumstances."20 Further there is no
mention of Annex 1 parties anywhere in the document.

19
Brooks, Bradley. “Rio+20, The Unhappy Environmental Summit” The Huffington Post 23 June 2012 <
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/rio20-the-unhappy-environ_n_1621095.html?section=india >
20
McGrath, Matt. “UN Climate Deal in Peru end Historic North-South Split” BBC News 14 December 2014 <
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30473085 >
10 | P a g e

While it may be argued that the LIMA deal was entrance of fresh air but taking the outcome
document wholly in account, deal cannot be said ‘innovative’ and ‘historic’ is many regards,
it was nothing but repetition of what we already knew The outcome document did not
provide for submission by countries of any of the details of their plans to fight climate change
like- time frames and/or periods for implementation, scope and coverage, planning processes,
assumptions and methodological approaches etc. The developed and developing countries
will control emissions, but limited the obligation to those ‘ready to do so’ and allowed them
to refuse to give ‘quantifiable information’ on how they will achieve their aims. Further,
there was agreement in principle that rich nations should provide financial support to
developing countries, but this has long been accepted and the details and amounts are still in
dispute.

2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21)

The Conference of Parties (COP) is annual conference which has been taking place since
1995 to review the implementations of various Conventions on sustainable development. The
21st session of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties, or COP 21, took place in Paris in
December 2915. Following were the outcome of the COP21-

 Reaffirmed the goal of limiting global temperature increase well below 2 degree Celsius.
 Establishing binding commitments by all the parties to make ‘nationally determined
contributions’ (NDCs) and to pursue domestic measures aimed at achieving them and
report regularly on their emissions and ‘progress made in implementing and achieving
the same’
 These NDCs have to be renewed every 5 years, with clear expectations that they will
‘represent a progression’ beyond previous ones.
 Reaffirmed the binding obligations of developed countries under the UNFCC to support
the efforts of developing countries, while for the first time encouraging voluntary
contribution by developing countries too.
 Gave extension to current goal of mobilizing $ 100 billion a year in support by 2020
through 2025 with a new, higher goal to be set for the period after 2025.
 Called for a new mechanism, similar to the Clean Development Mechanism under the
Kyoto Protocol enabling emission reductions in one country to be counted toward
another country’s NDC.

21
Further material available at Official Website of COP 21 < http://www.cop21paris.org/ .
11 | P a g e

The agreement was landmark in context of giving a fundamentally new course to the two
decade old- global climate change debate. The outcome agreement marks a deviation from
the strict differentiation between developed and developing countries, replacing it with a
common framework that asks all countries to put their best efforts. Though referring to
developed and developing countries at various place the agreement asking the developed
nations to take a lead, but it does not mention Annex- I (developed) and Non-Annex
(developing) categories as given in UNFCCC. Common commitments and flexibility to
accommodate different national capacities and circumstances either through self-
differentiation, as implicit in the concept of nationally determined contributions, or through
more detailed operations rules (still to be developed) are two new characteristics of the
22
document.

But this agreement still faces a lot of challenges like- Non-binding commitments, lack of
enforcement mechanisms etc. The Agreement will not become binding on its member states
until 55 parties who produce over 55% of the world's greenhouse gas have ratified the
Agreement. There is doubt whether some countries, especially the United States will agree to
do that.23 Each country that ratifies the agreement will be required to set a target for emission
reduction, but the amount will be voluntary.24 There is neither a mechanism to force a
country to set a target by a specific date nor enforcement measures if a set target is not met.25

Beyond North-South Cry: The Way Forward

Every conference on Sustainable Development will remain a conference to have more

conferences on the issue until it brings massive global commitment from both north and south
to bring back the beauty of Mother Nature. There is existence of Domino effect. Some
environmental degradation taking place in one corner of the world has power to affect the
other corner, the whole earth severely because at the end Earth is one, single living unit.
Environment degradation and its harmful effects at other country do not need passport to

22
Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions, U.S.A. < http://www.c2es.org/international/negotiations/cop21-
paris/summary >
23
Pengelly, Martin. "Obama praises Paris climate deal as 'tribute to American leadership'". The Guardian 12
December 2015. < http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/dec/12/obama-speech-paris-climate-change-
talks-deal-american-leadership
24
Kinver, Mark "COP21: What does the Paris climate agreement mean for me?". BBC News. BBC. 14
December 2015. < http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35092127 >
25
Davenport, Coral. "Nations Approve Landmark Climate Accord in Paris". New York Times. New York
Times. 12 October 2015
12 | P a g e

enter any country. The way nature knows no boundary, hazardous of exploitation of nature
doe not know any boundaries.

The north-south conflict is natural and the clash of interests is hard to avoid, but the mutual
threat of climate change provide a wonderful chance to re-evaluate and rethink our climate
relations as well as our development phenomenon to ensure climate justice. It is a golden
opportunity to solve our cultural, social, political and economical differences. Successful
Indo-U.S. cooperation in environmental matters where many climate related projects are run
like ‘Methane to Market’26, future generation project to develop a zero emission coal based
thermal power plant etc. Through negotiations fair, equal win-win plans can easily be entered
into.

Developing countries can no longer afford to take the ostrich approach and bury their heads
in the sands in the times of crisis by arguing for historic faults of developed nations.
Following are the suggestions for future course of action for developing countries-
Changing Notion of Development-

It is high time we change our notions of development because the trend of increasing
destruction and depletion of resources by periphery countries are getting compounded
because of being copied by the developing world as it struggles to improve its statics on GNP
and GDP. For example back in 1992 the rich countries produced 70 per cent of the annual
global emissions (from cars, factories, coal power plants, etc.) but in 2012 they were
producing just 43pc of these emissions. This does not imply that the north has not reduced its
emission, but the south grew to take up space. 27

Long term development should be the target instead of short term aims of GDP, GNP, Per
Capita etc. as growth does not lie in the numbers, neither growth is the end, it is now widely
recognised that it does not necessarily create more life satisfaction.28

Green Economy: A World of Opportunities-

The emerging economies should realise that sustainable development is in their own interest.
A combination of technical ingenuity and low labour costs makes them well placed to
become the leading producers of sustainable technologies for the rest of the world — as

26
As available at official website of Global Methane Initiative <
http://www3.epa.gov/globalmethane/partnership.htm > 2016.
27
Khan, Reena Saeed. “The North-South Divide” The Down News 16 Nov. 2014 <
http://www.dawn.com/news/1144669 >
28
Ghosh, Jayati. The global north-south carbon divide. The Gardian 1 October 2009.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/cif-green/2009/oct/01/climate-change-debate-copenhagen
13 | P a g e

China has already shown in case of solar energy. Emergence of idea of Sustainable
development is an opportunity for south countries.
Countries taking the lead on promoting a green economy domestically will soon realize that it
can pay off by creating a competitive advantage in areas such energy, agriculture, and
transportation etc. For instance South Africa has integrated green economy into its policies,
by establishing a green fund to finance "green economy" projects; incorporated renewables
into its energy mix; and launched the Green Economy Accord between government, labour,
and business which will create 300,000 jobs in the next ten years. 29

Expansion of Renewable Source of Energy-

It is much known fact that energy is the prime mover of economic growth and development,
which has complex linkages with environment. Economist clearly explains the catalytic role
of energy in development means growth requires energy, further the concept of energy is
directly related to sustainable development. Out of two sources of energy the advantages of
renewable resources are well-known.

Developing countries should give special emphasis to renewable sources like wind energy,
solar thermal energy, solar energy. Countries can resort to mandatory energy audits for
ensuring timely achievement of renewable energy goals. Developing countries should give
special emphasis to renewable sources like wind energy, solar thermal energy, solar energy.
Countries can resort to mandatory energy audits for ensuring timely achievement of
renewable energy goals.

Local for Global-

The establishment of a patchwork of innovative local, national and regional alliances is going
to be hugely effective in creating the foundation for a new economic paradigm – in other
words a bottom-up approach. The governments at local level (like panchayats in India) hold
an influential position and so they should be empowered to bring some real time results. To
change the fate of environment at global level, going local is the mantra.

We live in the era of pluralistic model of decision making where not just state but multi
sector players are involved in both policy making and policy implementation. Hence small-
small projects at local level hold the key to gold.

29
Worthwent, Lesley. “ Creating Incentive for Green Economic Growth : Green Energy in South Africa” South
African Institute of International Affairs. June 2014
14 | P a g e

Role of Business Sector-

Corporate sector being a part of society, like any other association is under obligation (both
legal and moral) to give back to the society its due. Peter Bakker, president of the World
Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), demanded inclusion of social and
environmental impact of business activities into the balance sheet so that a deterrence
mechanism to reduce pollution from business sector can be ensured.30

Further, Waste to Wealth provide tremendous business opportunities to earn profits as well as
save environment. In near future there is definitely an opening for business to step in and
leverage its financial, organisational and R&D capabilities to support moves towards a green
economy

The principle of CSR (corporate social responsibility) should be laid emphasis upon. They
should pay back to people through their vision, innovation technology and perseverance.
Value based business model should be encouraged. Government encouragement for the same
is must. Further CSR will also solve problem of lack of finance up to certain extent.31

Role of General Masses-

J. B. Shaw very truly once said that apathy is worse than cruelty. The apathy of general
masses is at the end of the day root cause of illness of environment. Therefore the world
demands a caring attitude towards environment by each and every human being on this earth.
Community activism and public awareness are the magic tricks for the same.

Sustainable Agriculture-

Sustainable development involves sustainable agriculture which can be achieved through soil
microbes, crop rotation, mixed farming, diversification, earth worm cultivation, bio-
pesticides, and wind pumps for agriculture thus making an ecological farmer. The emergence
of sustainable agriculture is a boon for emerging countries, especially for countries like India
which are largely agricultural based economies. What is Sustainable agriculture? is a
frequently asked question by farmers to agricultural scientists. Hence to bring the plan of
sustainable agriculture into reality awareness is the key.

30
As available official Website of World Business Council for Sustainable Development <
http://www.wbcsd.org/newsroom/bios/peter-bakker.aspx >
31
B Malla, Praveen. “Corporate Governance: History, Evolution and India Story” Routledge Taylor & Francis
Group. New Delhi. 2010.
15 | P a g e

Sustainable and Indigenous Technology-

Sound ttechnologies are necessary for sustaining economic growth as well as for the
conservation of exhaustible natural resources and sustainable use of natural resources.
Technology involves choice between borrowing technology from developed countries abroad
or indigenous development of technology. The source of whole north-south conflict is
dependence of developing nations for technology to developed nations. The option depends
upon the cost of imported and indigenous technologies, availability of technology appropriate
to our needs and term of access, and long term prospects of indigenous development with
spin off benefits Research and Development at university levels, special privileges to the
firms working for R&D, grants to technical universities (like IITs in India) can be some ways
for technological independence.

Conclusion

“Earth has enough for everyone’s need but not for everyone’s greed.”

-Mahatma
Gandhi

It can no more be disputed that climate change is a real threat to our human civilization and
sustainable development is the only weapon in our hand to protect ourselves. While the
traditional categorization of developed and developing countries and their respective
development concerns is justified. But with the change of power equation, the Annex- 1 and
Non Annex Countries concept needs a serious re-look.

LIMA Deal in 2014 and Conference of Parties in Paris, 2015 shows deviation from the
traditional ‘Developed v. Developing nations’ frame-work. But how far this deviation is
possible and practical, remains doubtful. Secondly, both the agreements signed at both
conferences lack enforcement mechanism and are largely open-ended when it comes to
quantifiable contribution to cause of sustainable development.

The challenges of climate change provide a tremendous world of opportunities for developing
world in form of indigenous technology, sustainable agriculture, non-conventional sources of
energy and green economy. But firstly and primarily we need to change our notion of ‘what
is development’. A tiny nation, Bhutan has suggested use of Gross Happiness Product to
calculate development. While such ideas are still in their early stage, but it cannot be denied
that we need a transformational approach to change our ‘idea of development’.
16 | P a g e

Earth is on ventilator- the fact known to all, whether developing or developed. Climate
change is a planet wide issue which necessarily needs governance and co-operation at planet
level or world level. The hazardous of climate change can be mitigated easily by collective
action of all developed and developing countries. Countries can no longer afford to debate
issues with an eye on the past. Global environmental change affects everyone regardless of
the place or the country of residence because-

After all it is Vasudheva Kutumbkam. 32

32
Vasudheva Kutumbkam is a phrase from ancient Indian literature which means the whole world is a big
family. The way actions-reactions of family members affect each other similarly actions of state affect each
other.