Environment problems and the United Nations

There is no doubt that since the United Nations Conference on the Human Environ ment (UNCHE) convened in Stockholm in 1972, there have been considerable changes in our understanding and perception of environ mental issues. It brought into focus the general realization that the different physical compo nents of the environment have limited assimi lative and carrying capacities and that pollution control measures must be instituted to safe guard the environment and the quality of human life. More important has been the environmental resources of water, soil, plant and animal life which constitute the natural capital on which man depends to satisfy his needs and to achieve his aspirations for develop ment. It can be possible only though wise management, realistic policies and balancing the human need against the potential of environ ment. This was the lesson of UNCHE-72 for preventive rather than curative actions. It is necessary to know exactly how this may happens.

The book is an analysis of U.N's contribu tion for the protection of human environment. It discuss about the background which facili tated the convencing of UNCHE, focus on Declaration on Human Environment as a groundnorm for making national and inter national Legislation, critically evaluate the programme of action to combate the deteriorat ing condition of natural and manmade environ ment, assess the organisational framework of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and suggests some measures to improve its functioning for future direction. Divided into seven Chapters-and a charter of Nature it mainly focuses about the catalytic endeavours of UNEP through its various projects and programmes to ensure that environmental problems of wide significance receive appro priate consideration.

The present volume is the result of an exten sive research undertaken over the past four years to review and understand the functioning of UNEP and United Nations for a harmonious and protective global environment. The book is of particular importance for Acadamicians, Research-Scholars, Journalists, Lawyers and decision-makers to understand and evaluate the problems of human environment vis-a-vis guide lines and standard suggested by UNEP, in real sense.