c 0
e
e e
.
. , .‘
4
I
1OE4 Environ. Sci. Tffihnol., VoI. 26. NO.6. I992
0013-936W92/0926-1003.W/0 @ 1992 American Chemical Society
MOBILIZING .
tional Coun- J U L I A M A T 0 N L E F E VR E tists with w cil of ScienInternational Council of tific Unions formed is in touch all Scientific Unions t i o n a l members Paris 75016, France Chanee Fothat. as nart of the drum in Paris preparatory proin September 1990, Maurice Strong, cess for UNCED, each government Secretary General of the United Na- was preparing a country report on tions Conference on Environment environment and development, and and Development (UNCED), asked encouraged them to ensure that the the Council to act as principal sci- views of the scientific community entific advisor in the preparation of in their country were represented in the June 1992 conference. ICSU, those reports. ICSU named several experts to be which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, has long been in- available to the UNCED Secretariat volved in environmental issues. Ex- for the reviewing of scientific paamples of activities carried out pers and documents and to join vareither alone or with other organiza- ious Working Parties set up to adtions include the Second Interna- dress the UNCED issues. ICSU tional Polar Year (the first of which officers were particularly closely inwas in 1882-831, the International volved in the Working Party on SciGeophysical Year (1957-58). the In- ence and Sustainable Development ternational Union of Biological Sci- and in the drafting of the relevant ences (biological diversity activi- chapters of the “Agenda-21” docuties), the Scientific Committee on ment. Problems of the Environment, the Finally, ICSU organized an interGlobal Atmospheric Research Pro- national conference on the contrigramme, the World Climate Re- bution that science could and search Programme, the Interna- should make to the debate on links t i o n a l Geosphere-Biosphere between science and development Programme: A Study of Global and environmental issues. The Change, and the Special Committee chancellor of Austria invited ICSU for the International Decade of Nat- to host such a meeting in Vienna. ural Disaster Reduction. The conference theme, “An Agenda For many years, too, the Council, of Science for Environment and Dethrough its own action and that of velopment into the 21st Century,” its 20 member scientific unions and gave it its acronym, ASCEND-21. 75 national academies of science and research councils, has inte- ASCEND-21 objectives grated concerns about development The conference objective was to into its programs and priorities. bring together the knowledge and These reasons, along with ICSU’s judgment of the world scientific longstanding and resolutely de- community on the highest priority fended status as a nongovernmen- environment and development istal, nonpolitical organization, led to sues in order to define an agenda for Secretary General Strong’s request. science (a term encompassing the natural, social, engineering, and A challenge health sciences) for the next 10 to 20 ICSU responded to this invitation years. The outcome was to provide by mobilizing the broad world com- a consolidated contribution to
.,
,
1
I An Agenda of IScidnce for
I-
?st Centur
I
Environ. Sri. Technol., Vol. 26, No. 6, 1992 1085
UNCED and a perspective for the future of international science in these and related areas. As a forum for promoting cooperation within the natural sciences, ICSU clearly needed to involve in the organization of this conference not only its member organizations, but also cosponsors from the social. health, and engineering sciences. The European Science Foundation, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, the International Social Science Council, the Norwegian Council for Science and the Humanities with the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, and the Stockholm Environment Institute cosponsored the conference. The conference was entirely financed by external funding, including generous grants from the government of Austria, the cosponsors, the MacArthur Foundation, and the United Nations Development Programme. Planning and conference design Planning the conference was a considerable challenge, particularly with a one-year deadline that had to be met in order for ASCEND-21's conclusions and recommendations to be integrated into the UNCED planning schedule. A Conference Advisory Committee was set up, consisting of ICSU officers, members of the ICSU Committee on Science and Technology in Developing Countries and its Advisory Committee on the Environment, together with representatives of all cosponsors and other experts, including many working in ICSU's partner organizations in the United Nations system. From the beginning of the plann i n g , i t was recognized that ASCEND-21 had to look beyond the state of the art to formulate the environment and development research agenda and to help identify the scientific knowledge base that would be needed for rational policy decisions during the coming decades. Furthermore, in order for the allimportant links between environment, development, and science to be properly addressed, the entire conference needed to be conceived as a dynamic building process. The conference Some 250 experts from nearly 70 countries attended ASCEND-21 in Nov. 1991. Approximately half came from developing countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia. and Central and South America. Their attendance was partly or fully fi1086 Environ. Sci. Technol.. Vol. 26, No. 6, 1992
Agenda-21: Issues for the coming millennium The conference theme was divided an informedjudgment of the present into three sections: the problems of state of the science-what is known environment and development, the for certain, what can be anticipated scientificunderstanding of the Earth with a high degree of probability, system, and contributions of sci- what is not known, and what needs ence to environment and develop- to be known-and then to identify ment strategies. Sixteen themes future priorities and suggest how were identified for full discussion at science can help to resolve them. the conference,each to be the sub- Authors were given the almost iwject of a preparatory paper. Section possible task of covering the I themes were as follows: primary themes in 20 pages; the papei factors affecting population and were prepared early so that partic natural resource use, agriculture, pants could study them in advancl land use and degradation, industry The participants were invited ind and wastes, energy, and health. vidually after hundreds of proposa Themes in Section II were global were considered by the Advisoi cycles, atmosphere and climate, Committee from its own member marine and coastal systems, terres- the cosponsors, UN organization: trial systems, freshwater resources, and many others. Of about 300 inv and biodiversity. Section Ill themes tations sent out, about 275 rf included quality of life, public sponded positively, an unusual1 awareness, science and the envi- high acceptance rate indicating th ronment, capacity-building, policies timeliness of the conference an for technology, and institutional ar- the importance of the themes. rangements. It was considered important for s The paper corresponding to each the 16 working groups to be a! theme was prepared by authors tended not only by experts in th; with complementary expertise and field but also by experts from other experience, in most cases including fields whose perspective could enat least one specialist from a devel- hance the discussions. Participants oping country. The co-authors were were asked to commit themselves brought together in July 1991 to dis- to a full week of attendance becuss their own papers and, more cause if the building process at the importantly, to discuss the connec- heart of ASCEND-21's design was tions between the themes and en- to succeed, all participants needed sure that the complex issues were to help develop the recommendadealt with as fully as possible. tions from theme paper and working The authors sought to produce group through section synthesis to forward-looking papers based on the overall r-Pnmmendations
nanced from the conference budget. Stimulated by the call for ICSU to contribute to UNCED and by the precedent set by the 1990 Bergen Conference, which approached these issues on a Europe-wide level, ASCEND-21 was indeed a landmark in international science history. ASCEND-21 provided a unique platform from which to start a longterm partnership between the natural and social sciences. It underlined the classical responsibility of all scholars to undertake research, to publish the results, and to explain the implications for society. It asserted that it is especially important to draw attention to the implications of what is not known: indeed, the precautionary principle rests on the need to avoid disturbing a system that is inadequately understood. The conference also provided a model for a future modus operandi in which assessment of scientific results serves as a basis for
predicting impacts and formulating policy options, leading to authoritative advice based on international consensus among scientists. The conference was characterized by a spirit of scholarly collaboration aimed at achieving culturally neutral analysis and recommendations for research and other action. In its final statement, participants recognized essential problems, identified certain courses of action to which science could contribute, and issued a set of recommendations that were also to be considered at UNCED and shaped by the scientific community into its own action program for the coming years. Salient parts of those conclusions and recommendations appear below. Conclusions: The problem Achievement of sustainable societies requires an improved understanding of the forces that generate global environmental problems and
hinder social and economic development. The impacts of population pressure, overconsumption, land degradation, deforestation, climate change, loss of biological diversity, industrialization, waste accumulation, and water and energy use on human society and the environment require the skills of the scientific community to clarify remedial policies and options for action. Scientists and technologists cannot by themselves solve the problems, but they can supply knowledge and informed opinion, as well as technical know-how, for consideration by governments and society. They can also assist in devising solutions. The world faces serious economic, political, and environmental inequities between a n d within countries; the causes are complex. Along with high per capita consumption rates there is continuous and unacceptable impoverishment and deprivation aggravated by high population growth rates. According to the precautionary principle, highest priority should be given to the two greatest disturbances to planet Earth: the growth of human population and overconsumption of resources. Unless these disturbances are minimized, science will become powerless to assist in responding to the challenges of global change, and there can be no guarantee of sustainable development. Much can be done based on present knowledge of population growth. Scientists are persuaded that if humankind does not alter its behavior and priorities, unprecedented crises may ensue within the lifetime of half of the world’s present population. These crises will arise from such changes as a doubling of global population, and migration and urbanization of dramatic proportions-with notable consequences for coastal zones, continuing pressure on the global ecosystem from rising energy consumption, climate change, sea level rise, and irreversible loss of a substantial number of living species. Further consequences will be continued reduction and deterioration of the quality of the natural resource base, including the exhaustion, degradation, salinization, and loss of a major proportion of the world’s soils, as well as growing and widespread water scarcity. It is doubtful whether available land is sufficient for meeting projected agricultural and nonagricultural demand worldwide for the next 35 years.
There is a disparity between energy consumption of the poor and the rich. It will be essential to plan a new, more sustainable, more efficient energy supply system which delivers heating, cooling, lighting, and power services using less primary energy, generating less pollution, and narrowing the rich-poor energy gap. Although industrial activities have hitherto been associated with environmental pollution, modern industry is becoming waste conscious. The current trend toward energy and raw materials efficiency and “clean” production may be the precursor of a new era of more sustainable industry operations. Clear, stable regulatory and financial signals from governments in the transition phase are critically important. Problems of environmental ethics are increasingly being discussed, including intergenerational equity and the responsibilities of citizens and scientists with respect to the environment. What can science do? Systematic investigation of the Earth system-land, oceans, and atmosphere, connected through the interlocking biogeochemical cycles of water and nutrients-has only recently become possible. But it has already shown that our species has altered the planetary life support system in ways that put the sustainable development of present and future generations at risk. The lack of knowledge of control mechanisms and their sensitivity to disturbance hinders society’s ability to prepare for surprises, so methodologies for impact assessment must closely follow research as it advances. Many of the institutional arrangements for embarking on a systematic interdisciplinary investigation of the Earth system are now i n place. The conference concluded that focused capacity-building is, however, necessary to remove the bottlenecks concerning scientific human resources, particularly in developing countries. Science and technology also have a crucial role in raising productivity both to ensure that it becomes genuinely possible to “do more with less” and to allow goods and services to be produced without degradation of the natural environment. We need to be able to predict impacts of environmental and developmental problems over a longer time period, and efforts to reduce
uncertainties need to be intensified. Science itself needs to become a more active partner in guiding development. A recognition of the link between science, the environment, and development would be an opportunity for scientists in developing countries to raise their standing in society. Indeed, many people and governments, especially in developing countries, do not see any “practical use” of science and therefore tend to underuse it. Scientists need to improve public awareness of scientific principles and encourage greater participation to ensure that public concerns and indigenous understanding are taken into account. Recommendations ASCEND-21 recommended intensified research into natural and anthropogenic forces and their relationships, including the Earth’s capacity to support life, and ways to slow population growth and to reduce overconsumption. It called for strengthened support for international global and environmental research and observation of the total Earth system, as well as research about the hydrological cycle on local and regional scales, impacts of climate change, coastal zones, loss of biodiversity, vulnerability of fragile ecosystems, impacts of changing land use and human behavior, transition to a more efficient energy supply, and use of materials and natural resources. ASCEND-21 also urged special efforts in education and scientific institution-building, as well as involvement of a large section of society in solving environment and development problems; regular appraisals of the most urgent problems of the day; and communication with policy makers, the media, and the public. ASCEND-21 stressed the need for a forum to link scientists and development agencies, along with a strong, organized p a r t n e r s h i p charged with addressing problems of environment and development. It also recommended a broad-ranging review of environmental ethics. Implications for science It is difficult to summarize in a few pages the spirit of such abroadranging conference, which has so many implications for the future of international science. The proceedings, which Cambridge University Press has now published, convey not only the full contents of the paEnviron. Sci. Technol., Vol. 26,No. 6,1992 1087
CIRCLE 7 ON READER SERVICE CARD
1 Regulation of Agrochemicals Driving Force in Their T A
his new volume presents a history of the deveiopment of chemical pest control and the regulatiocs ,to monitor their use It also looks to the ,uture with an examination of the consequences of regula-
pers and the underlying directions of the discussions, but the atmosphere of this unique conference, The ICSU officers at the conference sensed the importance of the consensus that characterized ASCEND-21 and its significance for future priorities within ICSU. In his closing remarks ICSU president M.G.K. Menon announced the Council’s intention to consolidate cooperation between ICSU’s major international research programs; strengthen ICSU’s role in the evolving partnership among science, government, intergovernmental organizations, business, and industry; strengthen ICSU’s capacity to prepare objective scientific assessments; report on scientific issues to the general public and decision makers; strengthen its own activities in capacity-building: and help review the performance of the Agenda-21 document following UNCED. The text of the conference statement, finalized in the days after the closing session of ASCEND-21, took into account all the written and oral comments of participants. It was immediately made available to the UNCED Secretariat. The text has also been circulated to the entire ICSU membership, and national members in pgrticular have been urged to ensure that the statement is brought to the attention of the national delegations attending UNCED so that, where relevant, the conclusions and recommendations of ASCEND-21 can help shape national positions.
tions apd their influence in shaping the pesticide market and the future role of chemical pest control Particular attention 15 given to reregistration and the ensuipg controversy which requires that each of 30 000 to 40,000 products on the market must be reviewed. Perspectives from parties on both sides of the controversy that reregistration has er,gendered are presented. Reguiation of Agrochemicais is importar,t reading for agrochemists; regulatory personnel; federal, state, and local government officials; and anyone interested in the recent history of pesticide development and use. Contents Agrochemicals and the Reguiatory Process Before 1970 0 The Persistent Seventies impact of Regulations on the ACS Division of Pesticide Chemistry 0 Consequences Of Reregistration on Existing Pesticides 0 A Short History of Pesticide Reregistration 0 Pesti. cide Regulation in Developing Countries of the Asia-Pacific Region Pesticide Registration in Europe 0 Academic and Government Research Input to the Registration Process 0 Trends in Agrochemical Fourmuiation 0 Analytical Chemistry and Pesticide Regulation 0 influence of Regulationson the Nature of Newer Agricultural Chemicals 0 Biotechnology and New Directions for Agrochemicals 0 The Fate of Pesticides, the Reregistration Process. and the Increasing Public Concern about Exposure 0 Agrochemicals in the Future
0 0
Gino J. Marco, Robert M. Hollingworth, and Jack R. Plimmer, Editors 192 pages (1991 ) Clothbound: ISBN 0-8412-2089-1 Paperbound: ISBN 0-8412-2085-9 $44.95
$34.95
1088 Environ. Scl. Technol., Vol. 26,No. 6, 1992
Julia Marton-Lefhvre is the executive director of The International Council of Scientific Unions (Paris, France). She received a B.A. degree in history and ecology and a M.S. degree in urban, social, and environmental policy f r o m U.S. and French universities. MartonLefhvre has worked as a university-level teacher with the U.S. Peace Corps, and as program specialist of the Environm e n t a l E d u c a t i o n P r o g r a m m e of UNESCO/UNEP.
