We need bold actions at Stockholm conference : Inger Andersen

New Delhi: A much awaited conference on environment, Stockholm 50+ has begun in Sweden under the theme of “Only one Earth” bringing all the stakeholders, representatives from the government under a single umbrella to brainstrom on the issues related to climate change and environment.

The conference is being held to commemorate 50 years of the Stockholm Conference — the first United Nations conference on the Human Environment.

The Conference placed environmental action at the forefront of the global agenda and started a dialogue between industrialized and developing countries on the links between the environment, economic growth and human well-being.

The meeting aims to highlight how governments and other stakeholders can mobilize the global community to ensure a healthy planet for the prosperity of all. The meeting will be held ahead of World Environment Day 2022 on 5 June, which Stockholm will also host.

“In Stockholm we need bold actions,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.

“We have to recommend some basic transformations in energy systems, food systems, and how our cities operate. And, of course, in financial systems. So that together we can reach for that long term sustainability and so that the spirit of Stockholm can come together in what we know right now is a divided world – we have only One Earth” she added.

India Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav who arrived in sweden on Tuesday, and said, “In 1972, the world made a declaration at the same place to protect (the planet). Today, 50 years later, we stand at an inflection point. Urgent, collective global action with the spirit of equity is required more than ever before.

“Over the next three days in Stockholm, will be participating in deliberations on climate action and related aspects with representatives from world over and present India’s side on all issues.” he said.

On Wednesday, the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) also presented a report at the Stockholm Conference after taking stock of actions taken by governments globally during the last 50 years and making.

The report has synthesised recent scientific evidence and ideas to prepare recommendations for action, guided by an advisory panel consisting of 27 experts in the field of sustainable development science and policy.

According to the report, the use of natural resources has more than tripled from 1970, with the benefits emanating from the usage are unevenly distributed across countries and regions.

The poorest half of the global population owns barely 2% of the total global wealth, while the richest 10% owns 76% of all wealth, the report said.

On the Agenda

Amid the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste, the meeting will feature four plenary sessions to give leaders the opportunity to outline the bold and urgent action needed to safeguard planetary health and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Shifting to net-zero emissions, restructuring the food system to prevent loss and waste and recalibrating financial systems to prioritize environmental health are just some of the many priorities” said the release.

Experts from around the world representing all stakeholders – including women, youth, older persons, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and local communities – will engage in debate and discussion around the following themes:

Hundreds of side events , associated events and webinars – including many held ahead of and after the meeting – will address relevant themes of Stockholm+50 and further expand the scope of the conversation.