Agenda 21

Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action, covering every area where there are human impacts on the environment, to attain sustainable development. It is grounded on "the need to take a balanced and integrated approach to the environment and development questions." Thus, Agenda 21 views climate change and climate variability through the lens of conservation and management of resources. It aims to address today's exigent problems while fortifying the world for future challenges. It recognizes the unique circumstances of economies in transition in the course of the implementation of its programme areas while facing unprecedented challenges in transforming their economies, possibly amid social and political tension. Agenda 21 contains four sections, focusing on Social and Economic Dimensions, Conservation and Management of Resources for Development, Strengthening the Role of Major Groups, and Means of Implementation. It identifies programme areas that are described in terms of the basis for action, objectives, activities, and means of implementation.