1st Edition

The Quest for World Environmental Cooperation The Case of the UN Global Environment Monitoring System

By Branislav Gosovic Copyright 1992
    314 Pages
    by Routledge

    314 Pages
    by Routledge

    First published in 1992. In 1972, the UN Conference on the Human Environment initiated the process of world environmental cooperation. This study is about GEMS (the Global Environment Monitoring System) which the Conference recommended be set up to generate data and information necessary for worldwide environmental assessment.

    This book examines the genesis and evolution of GEMS, and the complex task involved in establishing GEMS and making it perform its functions. It relates GEMS to the factors which have shaped the international environmental agenda and cooperation since 1972. In particular, it highlights North-South differences and the problems inherent in the international organizations belonging to the UN system, vis-á-vis the novel and multifaceted challenges involved in dealing with systemic, cross-sectoral nature of global environmental problems.

    The lessons of GEMS and other issues presented in this book are highly relevant to the continuing efforts to set up effective programmes for ‘earthwatching’ and to promote international environmental cooperation. They also relate more broadly to the challenges of managing global interdependence and to the need to devise supporting organizational structures through reform and strengthening of the UN system.

    The comprehensive nature of the political and institutional analyses presented in this book make it an academic reference work of lasting value. Its frank tone and willingness to derive prescriptive conclusions will appeal in particular to the many actors engaged in the processes and structures of global multilateral cooperation. The book will be of special use to those interested in environmental issues and international organization

    Foreword;  Prologue;  Preface;  Acknowledgements;  Abbreviations;  Part One: The Roots;  1. UNCHE and UNEP  2. The Origin and Nature of GEMS;  Part Two: GEMS in Action;  3. Health-related Environment Monitoring in GEMS  4. Climate-related Environmental Monitoring in GEMS  5. Marine Pollution Monitoring in GEMS  6. Natural Resources and Integrated Monitoring in GEMS  7. Monitoring Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution in GEMS  8. GRID: Global Resource Information Database  9. GEMS: Inching Towards a Global System?;  Part Three: What International Organization for the Twenty-first Century?;  10. Building Blocks for a Stronger UN  11. UN System at a Crossroads;  Name Index;  Subject Index

    Biography

    Branislav Gosovic