OPINION:
As a member of the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) Major Group for Children and Youth, I found David Rothbard and Paul Driessen’s recent criticisms shortsighted (“U.N.’s threat to biodiversity,” Commentary, Monday).
Pressing issues such as access to modern energy, the eradication of hunger and the relationship of both to global biodiversity or climate change are not mutually exclusive. This week’s negotiations in Rio de Janeiro are about just that - negotiating. The idea is to work toward a world that ensures access to modern energy sources for all while limiting air pollution, and toward a society in which hunger eradication is addressed though enhanced processes.
For a 20-something who has sacrificed summer work to attend the conference, I am confident saying Rio is not about controlling energy and economic development, but rather about collaborating with stakeholders globally to ensure the future we all want.
KIT DOBYNS
Rio de Janeiro
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