Rethinking world development: Brazil takes the stage in Rio+20

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explain Brazil’s position as a host to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20, to be held at Rio in June 2012. Brazil is indeed a leader for developping countries and intends to reformulate, in an original way, both conference themes: (a) Green Economy in the context of Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development and (b) Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development. Based on innumerous data, interviews and preparatory texts analysis, we will present first the country’s economic situation and later its actions in matters of environmental policies. This assessment will allow a better understanding of the country’s positioning on behalf of an inclusive green economy (very similar to the policy conducted in the last years: strong growth and income distribution) and against the creation of a world environment agency.