Book Reviews L. Campiglio, L. Pineschi, D. Siniscalco Treves (eds), The Environment After Rio. International Law and Economics on behalf of the Istituto per I'Ambiente, Graham & Trotman/Martinus Nijhoff (1994) 275 pages plus Index. Following the publication of their informative volumes on the documents adopted at UNCED the International Environmental and Policy series, directed by Gunther Handl, has renewed its interest in the Rio era, focusing now on the interdependence of environmental targets and economic growth in the post-UNCED debate. The topic, which at present occupies an important place in the international environmental debate among economists, policy-makers an international lawyers on the implementation of Agenda 21 an sustainability, was discussed Congress 'Environment After Rio' organized by the Istituto per I'Ambiente and Fondazione Enrico Mattei in Courmayeur, in February 1993, whose contributions have been collected and edited in the homonymous book. The book explores the main political economic and legal implications of the environmental issues discussed at Rio Focusing on the crucial and controversial concept of sustainability, three different aspects of the debate are combined. The first, part deals with legal and political issues of the negotiation process prior to the Rio Conference, focusing on the objectives and the roles played by respectively, the European Communities, the United States, and developing countries in the negotiation. The second par analyses the documents adopted at Rio an includes comments on the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the Declaration of the Protection of Forest the framework texts on Climate Chang and Biological diversity. Finally, the prospective evolution of general principle of international environmental law in the light of the implementation of Agenda 21 is assessed to conclude the analysis of the legal and political dialogue. However it is in Part IV where the economic debate is dealt with, that the concept of sustainable growth and North-South relationships is critically examined. If substantive consensus exists on the Bruntland view that 'unsustainable' economic policies must be abandoned on grounds of fairness, in so far as they endanger the welfare of future generations, there is as yet no agreement between the economists and policy makers of industrialized and developing countries on the choice of viable instruments to achieve sustainable growth. The debate approaches delicate themes such as population growth, the inadequacy of current international institutions to address emerging environmental concerns and the role of industry in promoting sustainability. The discussion clearly shows the interdependence of environmental issues and current international trade systems. One of the sources of disagreement among the two blocks of developing and industrialized economies is the question of qualification and management of tropical forests. The question triggers the thorny issue of the retainment of sovereignty by nation states over natural resources and financial aids, identified by some authors as the major impediment to collective action to achieve responsible use and management of natural resources and pursue the long-term aim of sustainable growth. Francesca Pestellini European University Institute
	© 1990-2004 European Journal of International Law All comments and suggestions should be sent to webmaster This site is part of the Academy of European Law online, a joint partnership of the Jean Monnet Center at NYU School of Law and the Academy of European Law at the European University Institute. This file was last modified: Tuesday, October 14, 2003 12:08PM