What is MCED 2005?

The United Nations holds conferences all over the World, to bring people together and discuss policies. MCED is the "Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development" and this is the fifth such meeting for Asia and the Pacific. This region is really huge and there are a lot of people here. Obviously, the impact on the environment is also huge.

One theme of the MCED 2005 is "Green growth" It means we should find solutions to the environmental problems, as more and more people enjoy the benefits of modern living. The old theme seems to have been "Grow first, clean up later" but that doesn't work when you have a billion people.

My friends tell me that the air is bad in Seoul. But people are really kind and funny, with many good ideas. For example: a campaign for no smoking would be a good idea here. It is a small action, and it can have big results. It would also be good for Korean people's health! Another idea is a walking campaign. Try getting off a station earlier, and walk the remaning distance. Of course, if fewer people use cars, the environment will improve.

The Civil Society Forum that I was invited to wants everyone to increase eco-efficiency of consumption and production systems by promoting green consumption, increasing resource circulation, supporting the eco-design of products, and raising awareness on sustainable consumption and production. We also called for a ban on genetically modified organisms, and asked for more efforts to help the region's poorest citizens.