Sustainable Development, 2013 A History

This book documents the influence of nongovernmental organizations on the rise of the sustainable development movement in international politics. It adds to the body of scholarly research on non-governmental organizations, by examining their political influence during the first two decades of international environmental politics - from the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972 to the establishment of the World Conference on Environment and Development in 1982. NGOs wielded their rational moral authority to achieve their goals in attending environmental mega-conferences. In turn, these successes gave rise to a symbiotic relationship with the United Nations Environment Program and secured a seemingly permanent position at not only the negotiating table, but also the inner hallways and back rooms of the United Nations.

Contents.- List of Abbreviations.- 1. An Invitation to Explore the Role of NGOs.- 2. NGOs Herald the Arrival of Sustainability.- 3. Theoretical Concepts.- 4. From Stockholm to Our Common Future.- 5. Reflections.- 6. Parting Thoughts.- Index.

Dr. Anne Egelston is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston - Downtown campus, and is President and CEO of Spitfire Environmental Consulting, Inc. Her firm assists clients with creating greenhouse gas credits internationally as well as providing emission trading services. Spitfire specializes in developing corporate compliance systems, corporate policy advocacy and authoring credit application packages. Anne’s work in environmental finance spans thirteen years and includes such programs as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, US EPA’s Acid Rain Trading Program, Emission Reduction Credits, California Reclaim, and Texas Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Dr. Egelston served as the co-chair of the American Coal Ash Associations GHG Emission Trading Team from 2008 – 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Global Affairs from Rutgers University - Newark.

Presents the history of sustainable development prior to the World Commission on Environment and Development report in 1987 Expands theoretical research about non-governmental organizations' political influence by examining activities away from formal conference negotiations Challenges the origins of non-governmental organizations as actors in international politics as a result of the end of the Cold War Provides insight into the formation of the sustainable development political paradigms and frameworks