This paper argues that the United Nations have played an essential role in the global institutionalisation of environmental protection measures and are still of great importance in this regard.
To investigate this thesis, the sociological theoretical framework is going to be outlined in chapter 2. Chapter 2.1 deals with the basic assumption of Frank, Hironka and Schofer. Afterewards, in chapter 2.2 and 2.3, two relevant sociological concepts are going to be presented: norms and institutionalisation. In relation to the thesis, this is going to be brought together in chapter 2.4, which describes the institutionalisation of global norms.
In chapter 3, the role of the United Nations is going to be presented. After briefly introducing the UN in chapter 3.1, the Charter of the United Nations – which is the founding document – is going to be analysed for hints to environmental protection in chapter 3.2. Chapter 3.3 describes the main outcomes of the United Nations Conference on the Human environment which took place in 1972. In chapter 3.4, the United Nations Environment Programme is going to be presented. Chapter 3.5 deals with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, while chapter 3.6 is concerned with the related COP 21 and the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the United Nations Development Goals are important in this context and are going to be outlined in chapter 3.7, such as the United Nations International Year, presented in chapter 3.8. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the results in regard to the thesis.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Theoretical framework
2.1 The Increase of Nation States’ Activities of Environmental Protection
2.2 The Sociological Concept of Norms
2.3 The Sociological Concept of Institutionalisation
2.4 The institutionalisation of global norms
3 The Role of the United Nations in the Global Institutionalisation of Environmetal Protection
3.1 The United Nations
3.2 Environmental Protection in the Charter of the United Nations
3.3 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment
3.4 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
3.5 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
3.6 COP 21 and the Paris Agreement
3.7 United Nations Development Goals
3.7.1 Millennium Development Goals
3.7.2 Sustainable Development Goals
3.8 United Nations International Years
4 Conclusion and Outlook
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the role of the United Nations in the global institutionalisation of environmental protection measures, arguing that the UN acts as a central top-down driver for establishing these norms within nation states.
- Sociological frameworks of norms and institutionalisation
- The influence of UN founding documents on environmental policy
- The historical development and impact of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- The role of international agreements such as the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement
- The implementation of global goals (MDGs and SDGs) regarding environmental sustainability
Auszug aus dem Buch
3.3 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment
The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment took place in Stockholm from 5-16 June 1972. Official reason for holding the conference was “the need for a common outlook and for common principles to inspire and guide the peoples of the world in the preservation and enhancement of the human environment” (UN 1972: 3). This was accompanied by the realization that further action needed to be shaped by considering the consequences for the natural environment. Furthermore, the report states that environmental protection plays a major role to ensure the worldwide wellbeing of people as the pollution of water and air contains high dangers. It literally labels environmental protection the “duty of all Governments” (UN 1972: 3), and that “local and national governments bear the greatest burden for large-scale environmental policy and action” (UN 1972: 4). Therewith, the first foundation for the promotion of nation states’ engagement in environmental protection measures was laid. Moreover, the necessity of cooperation in order to support developing states by fulfilling their part to contribute to environmental protection became obvious (UN 1972: 4). Thus, various of the conference’s outcomes have influenced current organizations, agencies, programmes and projects.
Besides a number of principles clarifying the necessity of countering pollution and other threats to the natural environment, there was a concrete action plan established, building the framework for further environmental actions. Three types of action were defined: a global environmental assessment programme, environmental management activities and international measures to support those actions of assessment and management, such as financial matters (UN 1972: 6). Moreover, the incorporation of environmental issues in development programmes in general was recommended.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides the motivation for the study and outlines the thesis that the UN drives global environmental norm-setting.
2 Theoretical framework: Introduces sociological concepts of norms and institutionalisation to explain how environmental protection becomes a globally expected standard.
3 The Role of the United Nations in the Global Institutionalisation of Environmetal Protection: Analyzes specific UN mechanisms, conferences, and programs that promote environmental policies to member states.
4 Conclusion and Outlook: Summarizes findings and discusses the potential for future conflicts regarding states that fail to meet institutionalized environmental norms.
Keywords
United Nations, Environmental Protection, Global Institutionalisation, Sociological Norms, Sustainability, UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, UNEP, Millennium Development Goals, Sustainable Development Goals, International Years, Environmental Law, Global Governance, Top-down Process, Climate Change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper investigates how the United Nations facilitates the global institutionalisation of environmental protection measures and influences the behavior of nation states through a top-down process.
What are the central themes covered?
The central themes include the sociological theory of institutionalisation, the founding and evolution of UN environmental programs, international climate agreements, and global development goals.
What is the core research question?
The research explores how and through what mechanisms the UN initiated and sustained the process of making environmental protection a globally accepted norm for nation states.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The study applies a sociological theoretical framework, specifically using the concepts of norms and institutionalisation, to analyze historical UN documents and reports.
What topics are discussed in the main part?
The main part covers the UN Charter, the 1972 Stockholm Conference, the creation of UNEP, the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement, the Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals, and the UN's "International Years" initiative.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include United Nations, institutionalisation, environmental protection, global norms, sustainability, and climate policy.
What role does UNEP play according to the author?
UNEP is described as the "voice of the environment" within the UN system, serving as the leading global authority responsible for setting the environmental agenda and developing international environmental law.
How does the author interpret the failure of some states to protect the environment?
The author notes that failure to adhere to institutionalized norms may lead to sanctioning and warns that such non-compliance creates potential for future global conflict.
- Citation du texte
- Elisa Schulzki (Auteur), 2017, The Global Institutionalisation of Environmental Protection Measures by the United Nations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/454714
