More updates from Rio+20

From what I’ve read, it seems as though most of text has already been agreed upon and there will be little change, unless the heads of countries now present in Rio call for it. But what’s the chance they will, right? Because few are interested in really protecting the environment, in sustainable development, in conserving our biodiversity. They’re usually more interested in money.

I don’t know why people think being an environmentalist is a job, like either you hug trees for a living, or you don’t. Caring for the environment, not wanting to ruin the little wilderness we have left, wanting clean air and water and animals to still be around a century from now, along with the habitats they’re found in – this isn’t a job. It should be on the mind of everyone who lives on this Earth, because this is a shared planet and we’re all using up natural resources. Our political leaders should be environmentalists, so should our government officials, teachers, doctors, lawyers, journalists, businessmen, economists, hawkers, cleaners, domestic workers, manual labourers, kids, everyone.

And now, even if we all call for more action to be taken, will it make a difference? I am getting skeptical; but I’m still hoping and if you don’t try, you never know. So sign the Avaaz petition, and just hope that your one signature will help make a big difference.

• Environmentalists blast Rio+20 plan - iol.com
• Twenty years after first Earth Summit, disappointment and hope - Nature.com
• Putting a price on nature can’t be worse than giving it all away for free - Guardian.co.uk
  The natural world gives us clean air and water, fertile soils and immense wellbeing. Putting a price tag on it might just stop us mistaking free for worthless
• The true value of nature is not a number with a pound sign in front - Guardian.co.uk
  Cost-benefit analysis of nature is rigged in favour of business – and delivers the countryside to those who would destroy it
• Rio+20 Earth summit: pressure for deal – but will leaders hold their nerve? - Guardian.co.uk
  Conference billed as a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity for global sustainability expected to end with a whimper not a bang
• Green from the Grassroots - ProjectSyndicate.org
• Rio+20 – Tragedy of the Commons 2.0? - Schoolofcommoning.com
• Rio+20 summit: Thursday live blog – Guardian.co.uk
  Breaking news and commentary on the UN Sustainable Development Conference as it enters its second day

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