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md.omar farok , [email protected] | 1
ASSIGNMENT
ON
ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT
C0URSE NAME (224): PEACE MOVEMENT Submitted To:
Mr. Mohammad Shaheenur Alam
Lecturer
Dept. Peace & Conflict Studies
University Of Dhaka
Submitted By:
Md. Omar Farok
4th
Batch 6th
Semester
Session: 2011-12, Roll: 51
Dept. Of Peace and Conflict Studies
University Of Dhaka
Date of submission: 27-09-2012(words-5,700)
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 2
CONTENTS
Abstract……………………………………………………..…………………….....02
Introduction.................................................................................................................03
methodology................................................................................................................04
conceptual framework of environmental movement………………………………...04
theoretical framework of environmental movement…………………….…………...05
characteristics of environmental movement………………………………………….05
historical development of environment movement…………………………………...06
phase one:1800s-1900s………………………….…………………………………….06
phase two:1900s-1950s…………………………………….………………………….09
phase three:1950s-1960s………………………………...…………………………….10
phase four:1960s-1970s……………………………………….………………….……11
phase five:1970s-1980s…………………..……………………………………………12
phase six:1980s-1990s…………………………………………………………….........13
phase seven1990s-20s century………………………..……………….……………...14
UN climate change conference 2009,10,11,12………….……………………………..15
environmental movement in Bangladesh………………………..…..…….……………16
criticism of environmental movement……………………………….………..……......17
Recommendations……………………………………………………………………....18
References ………………………………………………………………………………19
Conclusion………………………….……………………………………………………20
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Rio conference.........................................................................................................07
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: un climate change conference 1992………….……………………………….....12
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 3
Abstract
The concept of environmental movement to build positive peace emerged in late 18th to early 19
th
century and got more important in the post world 11 periods. the general meaning of
environmental movement is Many individual, nation-state and international organizations have
contributed to save environment that refer as environmental movements. Environmental
movement is defined as a social movement that influences the political and decision making
process of individual state and international community by lobbying, activism, and education
with an aim to protect natural resources and ecosystems. In recognition of humanity as a
participant in ecosystems, the environmental movement is centered on ecology, health, and
human rights. I will focus on the environmental movement and different initiatives undertaken
by the internationally or nation communities to save the environment and attain sustainable
development. Due to the environmental degradation, many initiatives have already been adopted
to make people aware and to take positive actions to save human beings from present and future
dangers. Here will first focus on the United Nations‘ (UN) initiatives and this will be followed
with an evaluation of the initiatives of NGOs and other organizations. Environmental movement
has a long history with a few regimes. For analytical clarity, this can be phase as showing the
Trends of environmental movement in 1st phase 1850-1900, Environmentalists find their tongue,
2nd
phase 1900-1950s The growing awareness, 3rd
phase 1960s The movement is born, 4th
phase
1970s International co-operation, 5th 1980s some small steps, 6
th 1990s The warming planet, 7th
2002 Johannesburg Earth Summit, and last phase in UN Climate Change Conference. Now, I
like to thank of my honorable course teacher Mr. Mohammad Shaheeur Alam, Lecturer of
peace and conflict studies department who give me this kind of opportunity to learn something.
This assignment provides an overview of issues relating to environmental movement in the
context of global and Bangladesh.
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 4
Introduction
Environmental movement is defined as a social movement that influences the political and
decision making process of individual state and international community by lobbying, activism,
and education with an aim to protect natural resources and ecosystems. In recognition of
humanity as a participant in ecosystems, the environmental movement is centered on ecology,
health, and human rights. Thus, environmental movement means the initiatives to protect the
quality and continuity of life through conservation of natural resources; prevention of ongoing
pollution, and sustainable use of natural resources for the safe and secure planet for the future
generation. The roots of the modern environmental movement can be traced to attempts in 19th-
century Europe and North America to expose the costs of environmental negligence, notably
disease, as well as widespread air and water pollution, but only after the Second World War did a
wider awareness begin to emerge. The US environmental movement emerged in the late
nineteenth and early twentieth century, with two key strands: preservationist such as John Muir
wanted land and nature set aside for its own sake, while conservationists such as Gifford
Pinchot wanted to manage natural resources for human use. Among the early protectionists that
stood out as leaders in the movement were Henry David Thoreau, John Muir and George Perkins
Marsh. Thoreau was concerned about the wildlife in Massachusetts; he wrote Walden; or, Life in
the Woods as he studied the wildlife from a cabin. John Muir founded the Sierra Club, one of the
largest conservation organizations in the United States. Marsh was influential with regards to the
need for resource conservation. Muir was instrumental in the creation of Yosemite national
park in 1890. Muir was also personally involved in the creation of Sequoia, Mount Rainier, and
Petrified Forest and Grand Canyon national parks. Muir deservedly is often called the "Father of
Our National Park System." in the late 1980s. In this assignment, first, attention will be given to
focus on the global environmental movement and its background. Secondly, environmental
movement in Bangladesh will be highlighted through some phases as showing the Trends of
environmental movement in 1st phase 1850-1900, Environmentalists find their tongue, 2
nd phase
1900-1950s The growing awareness, 3rd
phase 1960s The movement is born, 4th phase 1970s
International co-operation, 5th 1980s some small steps, 6
th 1990s The warming planet, 7th 2002
Johannesburg Earth Summit, and last phase in UN Climate Change Conference.
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 5
Methodology: This research will be both exploratory and explanatory research. And it will be
obviously an inductive research. There are various methods to complete the study. Such as
1. Conduct a literature review on their real definition.
2. Observation: Observation means examining or scrutinizing something with definite
purpose. Observation method consists of collecting the facts which are in the direct
knowledge of research. Observation method is a basic to all research. Here I shall
follow participant observation process.
3. Secondary sources: This is also an important method of data collection. Secondary
sources means those information which have done before the other writer, researches
etc. Such as books, Journals, Research papers etc.
Conceptual Framework of Environmental Movement
Environmental movement means the initiatives to protect the quality and continuity of life
through conservation of natural resources; prevention of ongoing pollution, and sustainable
use of natural resources for the safe and secure planet for the future generation.1
environmental movement, a term that includes the conservation and green politics, is a
diverse scientific, social, and political movement for addressing environmental issues.
Environmentalists advocate the sustainable management of resources and stewardship of
the environment through changes in public policy and individual behavior. In its recognition of
humanity as a participant in (not enemy of) ecosystems, the movement is centered
on ecology, health, and human.
The environmental movement is represented by a range of organizations. Due to its large
membership, varying and strong beliefs, and occasionally speculative nature, the
environmental movement is not always united in its goals. At its broadest, the movement
includes private citizens, professionals, religious devotees, politicians, and extremists.
1 United Nations Environmental Program, From Conflict to Peacebuilding: The Role of Natural Resources
and Environment, (Geneva: UNEP, 2008),.
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 6
Theoretical framework of environmental movement
Environmental movement is theory of Environmental peace building. It means environmental
cooperation that can resolve the conflict between parties and promote peace. According to this
theory, peace building is encompassed by few initiatives such as Tran boundary cooperation for
Environmental conservation (e.g. peace parks), international river basin management, regional
marine management, and joint environmental monitoring programs for enhancing cooperation
between communities or countries. 2
Indeed, I will try to offer the following important questions
to the students to become aware of the subjective analysis and objective reality of environmental
peacemaking: Several approaches are developed to resolve environmental conflict and establish
Ecological peace these are:
Environmental Justice (Rights-based approach)
Environmental peace-building mostly depends on ensuring environmental justice. It means
expanding communication and networks against environmental destruction and exploitation. It
also means resisting global patterns of inequality through environmental exposure where the
world´s poor face triple the environmental threats and insecurities. Sandler and Pozzuoli mention
the following principles of environmental justice:3
Social Movement (Power-based approach)
Environmental Social Movement is a term that denotes the conservation and green movements,
and is a diverse scientific, social, and political movement for addressing environmental issues.
This theory advocates the sustainable management of resources and stewardship of the
environment through changes in public policy and individual behavior. The creation of Peace
Parks, conservation, ensuring environment and human rights of the poor people, feminism and
environmental movement are included under social movement.4
2 Alexander Carius, ―Environmental Peacemaking: Condition and Success,‖ Environmental Change and
Security Project Report, Issue 12, (2007):59-75
3 R. Sandler. and P. Pezzulo (Eds.). Environmental Justice and Environmentalism: the social Justice
Challenge to the Environmental Movement, (Cambridge: MIT Press, 2007), 320
4 Carius, A. (2007) Environmental Peacemaking: Condition for Success. Environmental Change
and Security Project report, Issue 12. (2007): 59-75
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 7
Principles of Environmental Justice
Environmental justice affirms the sacredness of Mother Earth, ecological unity and
interdependence of all species, and the right to be free from ecological destruction
Environmental justice demands that public policy be based on mutual respect and justice for
all peoples, free from any form of discrimination or bias.
Environmental justice mandates the right to ethical, balanced and responsible uses of land
and renewable resources in the interest of a sustainable planet for humans and other living
things.5
Environmental Conflict Resolution (Interest-based approach)
Environmental Conflict Management (ECM), a practice area within the broader Conflict
Resolution field, addresses contentious disputes and controversies related to the use and
management of natural resources, development and growth, individual and community health,
and a range of additional and related concerns. It focuses on the solution to the common
problems of the stakeholders, preferably through preventive, non-violent action, attention to
inequities; and knowledge generation from the perspective of all involved parties. Here, different
types of conflict resolution processes: arbitration, mediation, negotiations, 6
Characteristics of environmental movement
The main characteristics of environmental movement are given below
a. to stop climate change and to save the environment and maintain a healthy world
b. to eliminate toxic chemicals and demand ,
c. to encourage genetic engineering and to preserve human right as well as animal right
d. to save oceans and forest, also raise awareness about the environment
5 ECSP. (2005). Parks for Peace and Peace for Parks? Environmental Change and
6 Conca, K., Carius, A., and Debelko, G., (2005). Building Peace through Environmental
Peacemaking. In The Worldwatch Institute, State of World: 2025. New York: W. W. Norton &
Co. (pp. 144-157).
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 8
Historical Development of Environmental Movement
The historical development of environmental movement is so long. It is difficult to date precisely
the commencement of the contemporary environment movement. A number of periods have
been identified. The period between the late 1800s and the early 1900s was the most relevant as
it included events and circumstances of this time that foreshadowed the existence of the current
movement. Some stage of development are given below precisely-
Phase one–flavor of environmental degradation (1800s-1900s)7
Henry David Thoreau (American Author: 1817-1862) published his classic book Walden in
1848- to describe the harmony that humans can experience when living with nature.
John Muir (1838-1914) was the founder of the Sierra Club in 1892. Through this
organization, he successfully used his literary gifts to encourage the US government to
protect some of the great wildernesses of the country. Through these initiatives, politicians
agreed that large areas should be reserved in order to mitigate environmental degradation.
This encouraged the creation of national parks in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In
addition, Great Britain began to establish its first conservation-based organizations.
Mission Of Sierra Club: The Sierra Club's mission is :
To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth;
To practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources;
To educate and enlist humanity.
To protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use
all lawful means to carry out these objectives.
7 Swain, A. (2002). Environmental Cooperation in South Asia. In K. Conca and G.
Dabelko (Eds.) Environmental Peacemaking. Washington D.C.: Woodrow
Wilson Center Press/The Johns Hopkins University Press. (pp. 86-119).
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 9
Stage two: The growing awareness (1900s-1950s)
William Hornaday (1854-1937) wrote Our Vanishing Wildlife in 1913. Hornaday was one
of the first conservationists to draw attention to the plight of endangered wildlife.
Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) published A Sand County Almanac, which was often regarded
as the most influential book on conservation ever written. Leopold, a former US Forestry
Service official and University of Wisconsin and Iowa StateUniversity professor, eloquently
and passionately wrote about our duty to protect and understand nature. In 1951, Great
Britain designated 10 areas as national parks. Although Great Britain had lost most of their
wilderness from past land development, they were able to designated areas where no further
development would take place.8
Phase three: introduction to modern environmental movement (1960s)
During 1960s environmental movement got its momentum with
the publication of Rachel Carson's 1962 book Silent Spring. Carson in his book analyzed
how chemicals like pesticides and insecticides, used on farms, forests and gardens were
contaminating the environment. However, this book was criticized and even banned after its
publication. But, many scientists supported her findings and her work was validated. President
John F. Kennedy ordered an investigation into the issues highlighted in the book. Carson was
vindicated and DDT was banned.72 But, through this contribution, the use of chemical was first
questioned and that later necessities to regulate our behavior in order to protect the environment.
Indeed, modern environmentalism was born through this writing.9
8 Reynolds, A Brief History of Environmentalism
9 Theodore Roosevelt, Address to the Deep Waterway Convention. Memphis, TN, October 4, 1907
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 10
Stage fourth : International co-operation (1970s)
Friends of the Earth: Friends of the Earth was founded in 1969 in the United States
by David Brower after his split with the Sierra Club based in part on their reluctance to
challenge the construction of nuclear power plants. It became an international network in
1971 with a meeting of representatives from the U.S., Sweden, the UK and France.10
For
further historical details see articles on the national FOE organizations.
Greenpeace: Greenpeace is a non-governmental environmental organization with
offices in over forty countries and with an international coordinating body inAmsterdam,
the Netherlands. Greenpeace states its goal is to "ensure the ability of the Earth to
nurture life in all its diversity and focuses its campaigning on worldwide issues such
as global warming, deforestation, overfishing, commercial
whaling and antinuclear issues Greenpeace evolved from the
peace movement and anti-nuclear protests in Vancouver, British Columbia, in the early
1970s. On September 15, 1971,
Earth Summits in 1972: which were held in Stockholm, Sweden. This event was
generally considered to be the primary defining event of international environmental
movement. The Earth Summit (officially named the United Nations Conference on the
Human Environment) was initiated by the developed world to address the environmental
effects of industrialization (113 nations attended). Sweden was concerned about acid
rain; on the other hand, Japan was concerned about the industrial poisoning of their
seas.73 The conference produced some successes, such as:
The Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment,
Action Plan for the Human Environment and an Environmental Fund.
10 Most of the information in this section comes from John McCormick, The Global Environmental Movement, London:
John Wiley, 1995.
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 11
UNEP: The establishment of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme),
designed to promote better environmental practices across the globe. But through this
summit the issue of rift between the developed (First)
world and the developing (Third) world was identified. The Third World leaders raised
the issue of developed world's exploitation of natural resources and consumption that
most likely degrade the environment and environment and widened the unequal
distribution of wealth. With this ongoing debate in 1970s philosophers also became the
part of the debate and a new branch of ethics was born called ‗environmental
philosophy‘.11
Phase fifth: small steps (1980s)
.
1. In 1982, there was another Earth Summit: Unfortunately, the Cold War was at its
Height, the world was distracted, and the meeting, held in Nairobi, Kenya, wasConsidered
ineffective.
2. In 1983, : the UN General Assembly created the UN World Commission onEnvironment and
Development. Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, the first woman prime minister of Norway, was made
as chairperson of the World Commission. Four years later, she published the Brundtland Report,
and it was coined as the term 'Sustainable Development'. The Report combines environmental
and economic considerations, and famously defines sustainability as: 'Development that meets
the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs‘.
11 Robert Gottlieb, Forcing the Spring: The Transformation of the American Environmental Movement (2005)
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 12
Phase six: The warming planet (1990s)
UN Conference of
Environment and
Development in 1992:
The Earth Summit was occurred in
Rio, Brazil, in 1992 where it has been
emphasized on how the planet's
environmental problems connect to
the economy and to social justice
issues. Through this summit, the
world leaders first agreed to combat
global warming, protect biodiversity
and stop the use of dangerous
poisons. In this Earth Summit, global
warming was recognized as the major
issue. It was agreed that Carbon
dioxide gas, released from burning
fossil fuels like petrol (gasoline and
diesel), coal, oil and gas, was causing
the planet to warm, which is melting
ice caps and rising sea levels around
the world.
figure-01, earth summit, 1992, United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED), Rio de Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992
Conference United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development (UNCED), Rio de
Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992
Informal name The Earth Summit
Host Government Brazil
Number of
Govt.participating
172, 108 at level of heads of State or
Government
Conference
Sect.General
Maurice F. Strong, Canada
Organizers UNCED secretariat
Principal themes Environment and sustainable development
NGO presence Some 2,400 representatives of non-
governmental organizations (NGOs);
17,000 people attended the parallel NGO
Forum
Resulting
document
Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration on
Environment and Development, the
Statement of Forest Principles, the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change and the United Nations Convention
on Biological Diversity
Follow-up
mechanisms
Follow-up mechanisms: Commission on
Sustainable Development; Inter-agency
Committee on Sustainable Development;
High-level Advisory Board on Sustainable
Development
Previous
conference
UN Conference on the Human
Environment, Stockholm (1972)
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 13
The Summit‘s message — that nothing less than a transformation of our attitudes and behavior
would bring about the necessary changes — was transmitted by almost 10,000 on-site journalists
and heard by millions around the world. The message reflected the complexity of the problems
facing us: that poverty as well as excessive consumption by affluent populations place damaging
stress on the environment. Governments recognized the need to redirect international and
national plans and policies to ensure that all economic decisions fully took into account any
environmental impact. And the message has produced results, making eco-efficiency a guiding
principle for business and governments alike.12
Patterns of production — particularly the production of toxic components, such as lead in
gasoline, or poisonous waste — are being scrutinized in a systematic manner by the UN
and Governments alike;
Alternative sources of energy are being sought to replace the use of fossil fuels which are
linked to global climate change;
New reliance on public transportation systems is being emphasized in order to reduce
vehicle emissions, congestion in cities and the health problems caused by polluted air and
smog;
There is much greater awareness of and concern over the growing scarcity of water.
Kyoto protocol: The Kyoto Protocol introduced at Rio is another initiative that imposed
the suggestion to member states to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 5% between 2008and 2012.
At the after math of Kyoto Protocol, many nations particularlyundeveloped and developing
signed it; but major role player of carbon emission.13
like USA, China, and India did not signed it
showing their short term interest of
12
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (2011), Kyoto Protocol, UNFCCC, retrieved
9 December 2011 13 Ibid
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 14
economic development. Countries depended on the oil trade, like the US and14
Saudi Arabia and other OPEC countries were concerned that the agreement would cost them.
The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) that set binding obligations on the industrialised countries toreduce
their emissions of greenhouse gases. The UNFCCC is an internationalenvironmental treaty with
the goal of achieving the "stabilisation ofgreenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a
level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system."
The Protocol was initially adopted on 11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, and entered into force
on 16 February 2005. As of September 2011, 191 states have signed and ratified the
protocol.[6]
The only remaining signatory not to have ratified the protocol is the United States.
Other United Nations member states which did not ratify the protocol are Afghanistan, Andorra
and South Sudan. In December 2011, Canada renounced the Protocol.15
Johannesburg Earth Summit in 2002
In August 2002, the Johannesburg Earth Summit was the mile stone in
environmental movement where sustainable development concept was recognized. In this
summit 65,000 politicians, numerous NGOs (non-government organizations), media personnel
participated to review the situation. Five areas were identified by the UN that needed particular
attention – water and sanitation, energy, health, agriculture and biodiversity. This is the first
international summit where representative from all areas in the world were participated and
raised their voice to protect environment and attain sustainable development. Here are a few
facts on Earth Summit 2002:16
14 United Nations (1992), Agenda 21. Retrieved on May 8, 2003 from
15
In 2011, Canada withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol 16 . Todd Benson, President Theodore Roosevelt's Conservations Legacy (2003)
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 15
* It was the largest UN conference to date, with over 100 heads of state and 40,000 delegates
attending.
* It covered everything from measures to cut poverty, improve sanitation, improve ecosystems,
reduce pollution, and improve energy supply for poor people.
* It fell exactly 10 years after the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro which focused world
governments on environmental issues for the first time.
* Two weeks of preparatory meetings took place in Bali, Indonesia to reach agreements on the
key plans that could be realistically met.
* Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General, put water, energy, health, agriculture and
biodiversity at the top of his list of commitments from the summit.
* South Africa, the host of Earth Summit 2002, plans to provide clean water to all South
Africans by 2008, having already created access for 7 million of the poorest people since 1994.
* The European Union (EU), which currently spends 1.4 billion euros (£880 million) on water
projects worldwide each year, will focus particularly on water supply and sanitation in Africa,
boosting management of water resources and providing better coordination of water-related
development aid.
The summit also aimed to make agreements for the following issues:17
- To cut by half by 2015 the proportion of people living on less than $1 a day.
- To cut by half by 2015 the number of people suffering from hunger.
- To cut by half by 2015 the 1.1 billion people without access to safe drinking water.
- To cut by a significant amount the 2.4 billion people who live without inadequate sanitation,
and improve sanitation in institutions, such as schools; and promote safe hygiene.
- To launch an action programme to reduce the number of people who lack access to modern
energy.18
17 Johannesburg Summit (2002). Johannesburg Summit. Retrieved on May 8, 2003
from http://www.johannesburgsummit.org/
18 David B. Woolner and Henry L. Henderson, eds. FDR and the Environment (2009)
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 16
2009- Climate Change Conference, Copenhagen:
The 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as
the Copenhagen Summit, was held at the Bella Center inCopenhagen, Denmark, between
December and 18 December. The conference included the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP
15) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 5th Meeting of the
Parties (MOP 5) to the Kyoto Protocol. According to the Bali Road Map, a frameworkfor climate
change mitigation beyond 2012 was to be agreed there.
The conference was preceded by the Climate Change: Global Risks, Challenges and
Decisions scientific conference, which took place in March 2009 and was also held at the Bella
Center. The negotiations began to take a new format when in May 2009 UN Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon attended the World Business Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen,
organised by the Copenhagen Climate Council (COC), where he requested that COC councillors
attend New York's Climate Week at the Summit on Climate Change on 22 September and
engage with heads of government on the topic of the climate problem.19
2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference (cop16): was held
in Cancún, Mexico, from 29 November to 10 December 2010.[1]
The conference
is officially referred to as the 16th session of the Conference of the
Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC)
and the 6th session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties (CMP
6) to the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, the two permanent subsidiary bodies of the UNFCCC – the
Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for
Implementation (SBI)– held their 33rd sessions. The 2009 United Nations Climate Change
Conference extended the mandates of the two temporary subsidiary bodies, the Ad Hoc Working
19 http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 17
Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP) and
the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-
LCA), and they met as well. The outcome of the summit was an agreement adopted by the states'
parties that called for a large "Green Climate Fund", and a "Climate Technology Centre" and
network. It looked forward to a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol.
The agreement recognizes that climate change represents an urgent and potentially irreversible
threat to human societies and the planet, which needs to be urgently addressed by all Parties. It
affirms that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and that all Parties must
share a vision for long-term cooperative action in order to achieve the objective of the
Convention, including through achievement of a global goal. It recognizes that warming of the
climate system is scientifically based and that most of the observed increase in global average
temperatures since the mid twentieth century are very likely due to the observed increase in
anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations, as assessed by the IPCC in its Fourth Assessment
Report.
2011- United nation Climate Change Conference (cop17):
The 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference was held in Durban,
South Africa, from 28 November to 11 December 2011 to establish a new treaty to limit carbon
emissions.[1]
The conference agreed to a legally binding deal comprising all countries, which will be prepared
by 2015, and to take effect in 2020. There was also progress regarding the creation of a Green
Climate Fund (GCF) for which a management framework was adopted. The fund is to distribute
US$100 billion per year to help poor countries adapt to climate impacts. While the president of
the conference, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, declared it a success,20
scientists and environmental
groups warned that the deal was not sufficient to avoid global warming beyond 2 °C as more
urgent action is needed
20 http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 18
Environmental Movement in Bangladesh:
Bangladesh as a small country having area of only 144,000 km2, but hugepopulation of 140
millions has a very limited natural resources to support people. Theincreasing pace of uneven
urbanization imposes detrimental impacts over theenvironmental resources and natural habitat. If
people do not become environmentallyaware of, this huge population will become main
contributors and sources of pollutionand self destruction of their own. Therefore, many
organizations and NGOs are workingto disseminate environment education and organizing
people to work against any kinds ofacts detrimental to the environment and sustainable
development.21
Major Environmental Concern in Bangladesh
Global climate change and the future of Bangladesh;
Climate-induced and Water-borne diseases;
Water pollution from
Intermittent water shortages due to falling water tables
Upstream water diversion from the major rivers;
Flooding and cyclone;
Soil degradation and erosion;
Deforestation and destruction of biodiversity;
Severe overpopulation;
People greed‘s for resources and destruction of environment.
Industrialization and its effects on environment;
Exploration of natural resources by MNCs and GOB and its effects on
environment and people.
Bangladesh is a signatory of all internationally accepted treaties related toenvironment and
sustainable development. But poverty and institutional incapability arenow the major hindrance
to preserve environmental and environmental resources.Organizations and NGOs working in
sponsoring environmental movement are:22
21 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. (2005). Eco-system and Human Well-being:
Synthesis. Washington DC: Island Press.
22Myint, Tun (2003). Democracy in Global Environmental Governance: Issues,
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 19
Bangladesh Environmental Policy in 1992,
Environmental Conservation Act in 1995,
Environmental Conservation Rules in 1997;
Environmental Court in 2000.
Bangladesh Poribash Andolon BAPA
Bangladesh Environmental Network
River Protection Movement
Adibasi Poribesh Rokka Andolon (Indigenous Environment PreservationMovement),
Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA)
This session will address the activities and mission of these organizations. At the
same time, this session will also try to look into the role of government, professional, and
NGOs in sponsoring the mission of environmental movement.
Criticism of Environment Movement
Some people are skeptical of the environmental movement and feel that it is more deeply rooted
in politics than science. Although there have been serious debates about climate change and
effects of some pesticides and herbicides that mimic animal sex steroids, science has shown that
some of the claims of environmentalists have credence. Claims made by environmentalists may
be perceived as veiled attacks on industry and globalization rather than legitimate environmental
concerns. Detractors note that a significant number of environmental theories and predictions
have been inaccurate and suggest that the regulations recommended by environmentalists will
more likely harm society rather than help nature.
Specific examples include when Rachel Carson, in her book Silent Spring, suggested that the
pesticide DDT caused cancer and drastically harmed ecosystems. DDT is highly toxic to aquatic
life, including crayfish, Daphnis, sea shrimp and many species of fish. However, DDT might be
useful in controlling malaria.23
Interests, Actors in Mekong and Rhine. Indiana Journal of Global Legal
Studies (2003) 10(1):287–314
23 J. Edward. The Origins of Modern Environmental Thought. Tucson: University of Arizona Press. (2006).
ISBN-0-8165-2461-0
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 20
Debates within the movement
Within the environmental movement an ideological debate has taken place between those with
an eccentric view point and an anthropocentric view point. The anthropocentric view has been
seen as the conservationist approach to the environment with nature viewed, at least in part, as
resource to be used by man. In contrast to the conservationist approach the eccentric view,
associated with John Muir, Henry David Thoreau and William Word worth sometimes referred
to as the preservationist movement. This approach sees nature in a more spiritual way. Many
environmental historians consider the split between John Muir and Gifford Pinchot. During the
preservation / conservation debate the term preservationist become to be seen as a pejorative
term.24
Summing up
The environmental movement of the 1970s was the unwitting victim of its leadership which
offered a cleaner environment but, in the 1980s, delivered instead a massive program to achieve
global governance. The United Nations Environment Programmed (UNEP) had already launched
a Regional Seas Program (1973); conducted a UN Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD 1974); developed a Global Frame-work for Environmental Education (1975);
established the International Environmental Education Program (IEEP); set up a Global
Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS); set up a World Conservation Monitoring Center at
Cambridge, England (1975 as a joint project with the IUCN and the WWF); implemented the
Human Exposure Assessment Location Program (HEAL - 1976); conducted a UN Conference on
Desertification (1977); organized the Designated Officials for Environmental Matters (DOEM);
and in 1980, published World Conservation Strategy jointly with the IUCN and the WWF.The
DOEM is an organizational structure that requires every UN agency and organization to
designate an official to UNEP in order to coordinate all UN activity with the UNEP agenda.
UNEP was well positioned to interject the environment into the argument for global governance.
Recognizing that communications was the key to global education, UNESCO adopted in 1978 a
"Declaration on Fundamental Principles Concerning the Contribution of the Mass Media to
Strengthen Peace and International Understanding, to the Promotion of Human Rights and to
Countering Racialism, Apartheid and Incitement of War.‖Their report was released in 1980
entitled Many Voices,
24 The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America (2009)
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 21
Reference
1 United Nations Environmental Program, From Conflict To Peace building: The Role Of
Natural Resources
And Environment, (Geneva: UNEP, 2008),.
1 Alexander Carious, ―Environmental Peacemaking: Condition And Success,‖
Environmental Change And
Security Project Report, Issue 12, (2007):59-75
1 R. Sandler. And P. Pezzulo (Eds.). Environmental Justice And Environmentalism: The
Social Justice
Challenge To The Environmental Movement, (Cambridge: MIT Press, 2007), 320
1 Carius, A. (2007) Environmental Peacemaking: Condition For Success. Environmental
Change And Security Project Report, Issue 12. (2007): 59-75
1 ECSP. (2005). Parks For Peace And Peace For Parks? Environmental Change And
1 Conca, K., Carius, A., And Debelko, G., (2005). Building Peace Through
Environmental Peacemaking. In The Worldwatch Institute, State Of World: 2025. New
York: W. W. Norton & Co. (Pp. 144-157).
1 Swain, A. (2002). Environmental Cooperation In South Asia. In K. Conca And G.
Dabelko (Eds.) Environmental Peacemaking. Washington D.C.: Woodrow
Wilson Center Press/The Johns Hopkins University Press. (Pp. 86-119).
1 Reynolds, A Brief History Of Environmentalism
1 Theodore Roosevelt, Address To The Deep Waterway Convention. Memphis, TN,
October 4, 1907
1 Most Of The Information In This Section Comes From John Mccormick, The Global
Environmental Movement, London: John Wiley, 1995.
1 Robert Gottlieb, Forcing The Spring: The Transformation Of The American
Environmental Movement (2005)
1 United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change (UNFCCC) (2011), Kyoto
Protocol, UNFCCC, Retrieved 9 December 2011
1 Ibid
md.omar farok , [email protected] | 22
1 United Nations (1992), Agenda 21. Retrieved On May 8, 2003 From
1 In 2011, Canada Withdrew From The Kyoto Protocol
1 . Todd Benson, President Theodore Roosevelt's Conservations Legacy (2003)
1 Johannesburg Summit (2002). Johannesburg Summit. Retrieved On May 8, 2003
From Http://Www.Johannesburgsummit.Org/
1 David B. Woolner And Henry L. Henderson, Eds. FDR And The Environment (2009)
1
1 Http://Www.Presidentsclimatecommitment.Org/
1 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. (2005). Eco-System And Human Well-Being:
Synthesis. Washington DC: Island Press.
1Myint, Tun (2003). Democracy In Global Environmental Governance: Issues,
Interests, Actors In Mekong And Rhine. Indiana Journal Of Global Legal
Studies (2003) 10(1):287–314
1 J. Edward. The Origins Of Modern Environmental Thought. Tucson: University Of
Arizona Press. (2006). ISBN-0-8165-2461-0
1 The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt And The Crusade For America (2009)
