Agenda 21

Agenda 21 is a non-binding action plan developed by the United Nations (UN) in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, which aimed to promote sustainable development and tackle environmental problems at the global, national, and local levels. It provides a framework for cooperation among governments, international organizations, and civil society to address issues such as poverty, climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Agenda 21 consists of 40 chapters and covers a wide range of topics related to sustainable development, including sustainable agriculture, energy, transportation, waste management, and urban planning. It also emphasizes the importance of involving local communities in the decision-making process and encourages the participation of all stakeholders, including women, indigenous peoples, and youth.

Although Agenda 21 is a voluntary and non-binding agreement, many countries have incorporated its principles into their national policies and strategies for sustainable development. Additionally, several international agreements and initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change, build on the objectives and principles of Agenda 21.

However, Agenda 21 has also been the subject of controversy and conspiracy theories, particularly in the United States. Some critics argue that it represents a form of global governance that threatens national sovereignty and individual freedoms. Despite these criticisms, Agenda 21 remains an important framework for promoting sustainable development and addressing environmental challenges at the global level.