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ENB:05:39 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

DRAFTING GROUP A

CHANGING PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION PATTERNS: In paragraph 1 (cause of environmental deterioration), the EU deleted a reference to 'contemporary' consumption and production patterns. The G-77/China added 'particularly in developed countries' after a reference to national authorities. The US and Australia objected. Delegates agreed to a reference to the need for efforts on the part of developed countries and to the OECD reference in paragraph 3 (efforts by States). In paragraph 4 (gaps between developed and developing countries), the EU included equity concerns in the concept of sustainability. The G-77/China preferred gaps in per capita 'resource consumption' instead of 'income.' Delegates agreed to 'significant gaps.' In paragraph 5 (energy consumption), the G-77/China deleted a reference to rising energy consumption. The EU proposed a reference to international obligations and suggested that technology transfer should be 'encouraged." In paragraph 6 (life-cycle approach), delegates agreed to the G-77/China text on the Oslo Conference. Delegates agreed to the deletion of the bracketed reference to developed countries in the sentences on the responsibilities of business and industry and of households.

In paragraph 7 (procurement policies and practices), no agreement was reached on whether developing countries should be called upon to consider environmental factors in their procurement policies. Brackets were removed from the reference to trade effects in paragraph 9 (studies on production and consumption patterns). In paragraph 10 (internalization of environmental costs), it was agreed to refer to the 'negative environmental impacts' that should be addressed by tax reform. Delegates agreed to the G-77/China proposal in paragraph 11 (natural resource accounting) to refer to such accounting as a valuable 'tool,' instead of a 'precondition,' for comprehensive full cost pricing. In paragraph 12 (international cooperation), the EU added a reference to the need to preserve market access and competitiveness of products and services, and to promote relevant technology. Delegates agreed to 'in the context of' the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

In paragraph 16 (work programme), the G-77/China preferred a narrower scope for Section C (evaluation of policy measures). The US said that the CSD should review policy measures in all countries and not just developed countries. Agreement was reached to delete the reference to developing countries. In Section D (voluntary commitments), delegates agreed to Canada's proposal to refer to the need to integrate socio-economic and environmental considerations into decision-making. Delegates could not agree to the sustainable development forum in paragraph 17 (commitments to work programme).

TRADE, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: In paragraph 6 (trade provisions in multilateral environmental agreements), the US said that if trade policy measures are needed to enforce environmental policies they should be the least trade-restrictive necessary to achieve the environmental objectives. Brazil said that the US proposal was highly controversial. No agreement was reached on paragraphs 17 and 18 on the OECD and paragraph 23 (internalization of environmental costs).

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