The Sustainable Urban Reader The Rio Declaration – pp 72-79

Principle 7 refers to “common but differentiated responsibilities.” Explain how that applies to the United States.

I think of the United States as being a conglomerate of different peoples all living together and sharing similar experiences -- could also be thought of as the American Dream. "common but differentiated responsibilities" implies that this diverse population must work together to protect the common welfare which is provided for by the Earth. The differentiated responsibilities implies that people can accomplish this by playing to their strengths. It takes many different types of people from many backgrounds in order to implement a plan to protect the earth. These people can all choose avenues to act by and in doing so they will bring the whole population closer to sustainability.

Which principle might be called the “polluter pays” principle?

Principle 8 talks about "reducing and eliminate unsustainable patterns of production and consumption" which sounds to me like 'states must reduce and eliminate pollution'.

How do the principles address women, youth, indigenous people?

I was surprised to see this. Principles 20, 21 and 22 stress that these groups of people must be involved in sustainable development and that their opinions and experiences need to be considered.

Principle 25 says that “Peace, development and environmental protection are interdependent and indivisible.” How is that so?

If you have development and environmental protection without peace, it is most likely that peace is being forced and that is never a solid way to go about things. As the world is ever changing, it is important to keep up with development in order for peace and environmental protection to remain. Finally without environmental protection, development will eventually reach a climax and degradation and destruction will be all that is left. Principle 25 is summing this up as 'you can't have one with out the other [two].

How is globalization viewed in the Millennium Declaration?

Globalization is viewed as a positive thing that offers great opportunities. The trick seems to be in keeping it as a positive force.

How do the six values differ from your values?

The 6 fundamental values are: Freedom, Equality, Solidarity, Tolerance, Respect for nature and Shared responsibility.

I can't say that these values really differ from my own. As a person who supports the notion of sustainability, these values seem "essential" to successful protection of the environment.

Which of the proposed measurable objectives do you feel are most essential? Most achievable?


I'll get back to this... I'm not sure what objectives you are referring to.