At this very moment, thousands of representatives from NGOs, government officials, and everyday citizens from around the globe who are concerned about the progress of our world are gathered in Rio de Janeiro for the UN’s Conference on Sustainable Development (colloquially referred to as Rio+20). The conference is constructed around seven ‘critical issues’ – jobs, energy, cities, food, water, oceans, and disasters – and the ways that the individuals and nations in attendance can commit to alleviating these pressing problems around the world.
When the conference was first held in the same location 20 years ago, the earth was cooler, cleaner, greener, and there were fewer disasters. Rio+20 aims to reverse this trend through aggressive policy talks and actions so that 20 years from today, the new generation of leaders and citizens won’t have to face an even larger mess.
While the conference ends tomorrow, a website called The Future We Want has been created where anyone can share their ideas for creating a better world by 2030. So often we feel powerless against some of the massive changes happening to our society and our environment right before our eyes, but now Rio+20 and The Future We Want are collectively aiming to give individuals power and agency in the fight for a better, cleaner, and more equal planet.
What sort of world do you imagine, BUSTies? Submit your ideas here. The world is listening.
Images Courtesy UN Photo
