India on the road to Rio: New leadership for a greener future

The fast-approaching Rio+20 Earth Summit should be a critical moment in the construction of a greener future. It is actually a replay of the 1992 Conference on the same topic, twenty years ago. Bringing together more than 172 countries, the 1992 UNCED (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development) is still considered as a landmark event in the development of global environmental governance, with the introduction of the broad concept of ‘sustainable development’ for the first time, the signature of two major conventions (on Climate Change and Biodiversity) and the rollout of an action plan (Agenda 21).

Though the legacy of the first Rio Summit is hardly rosy (or, more appropriately, green), it addressed issues that have become increasingly relevant over the past two decades. However, while the issues are still the same overall, the situation has changed dramatically, especially in the matter of international governance. Twenty years ago, developed countries were the growth engines, while developing countries were the growth seekers. This situation has now virtually been reversed. Then the United States and Europe were spearheading negotiations, now China and India are looked upon as key decision makers.

Among emerging countries, India has stepped up, asserting itself as a lead figure for the conference. Just last year, at the Durban Climate Change Conference, Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan’s role proved instrumental in concluding a new deal. For the Rio+20 Summit, India is expected to play an even greater role. The country has already conducted some preliminary work. In October 2011, it hosted the New Delhi Ministerial Dialogue on Green Economy and Inclusive Growth, raising several points that have already found their way into the ‘zero draft’ that will serve as a basis for Rio+20 discussions.

The situation is interesting not only because new voices should be leading the debate, but also new outlooks on the problem of global environmental preservation should emerge. India’s main focus has already been stated, hinging on holding developed countries accountable for their ecological footprints and urging them to reduce it, while leaving enough room for developing countries to grow. With this shift in the balance of power and fresh outlooks, the new summit will certainly be a defining moment for the environment as great, if not greater, as the last summit.