A Garden Enclosed: Botanical Barter in Sydney, 1818-39
Author(s)
Endersby, Jim
Abstract
Examines the history and role of global environmental conferences. UN conferences on the environment are reviewed from their inception as part of a wider effort to solve global problems. The multiple functions of these conferences included mobilizing concern about new problems; coordinating actions to study and monitor environmental quality; developing cooperative ways to prevent environmental degradation; and endorsing new policy doctrines. An analysis of the most important conferences held between 1972 and 1997 evaluates their effectiveness in terms of observable environmental impact; impact on national policies; global agenda setting; consciousness raising; identification of new challenges/threats; adoption of new norms; spearheading administrative reform; and promoting mass involvement.