Archived press release

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22 May 2002

UN report is “wake up call” for world leaders

Friends of the Earth today welcomed the publication of a hard-hitting United Nations report, setting out the state of the world’s environment. Based on the most up-to-date research, the report warns that “the planet is at a crucial cross-roads” [1].

The third Global Environmental Outlook report from the United Nations Environment Programme calls on the nations of the world to take effective action at the crucial UN Earth Summit which takes place in South Africa in August. According to Klaus Toepfer, executive director of UNEP “We need concrete actions, we need concrete timetables and we need an iron will from all sides”.

But only last week, UNEP published another report which concluded that the majority of corporations are failing to reduce their environmental impact and are still carrying on with “business as usual” [2]. UNEP has called for a “sustainability first” approach – but Friends of the Earth believes this cannot be achieved unless business is forced to act.

Friends of the Earth International, the world’s largest grassroots environmental network, is urging world leaders going to the Earth Summit to agree global rights for people and global rules for big business [3].

Tony Juniper, Director Designate of Friends of the Earth said:
“This report provides yet another wake up call to the world. We face massive problems which require international action if we are to prevent global tragedy. Time really is running out. The Johannesburg Earth Summit is crucial. It is vital that the world’s most powerful nations show leadership and put people and the planet ahead of national and corporate interests.

“If rogue nations like the US are unwilling to participate in international coalitions such as the Kyoto climate change treaty, then new coalitions must be formed to put long term well-being before the short term profitability of large companies. Countries attending the Earth Summit must not be dragged down by the standards of the most short-sighted.”

Notes

[1] “The State of the Environment: Past, Present, future?”, published today by UNEP.
[2] “Industry and Environment – Achievements, Unfinished Business and Future Challenges” – published by UNEP 15th May 2002.
[3] More information on FOE’s proposals are available at: www.foei.org/publications/corporates/accountability.html

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust