Stockholm Conference, 1972 (United Nations Conference
on the Human Environment)
Background and Need for the Conference
By the late 1960s, rapid industrialization, urbanization, and technological development led
to severe problems like air and water pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and
overuse of natural resources. Events like the 1968 Torrey Canyon oil spill, acid rain in
Europe, and concerns about nuclear testing drew global attention. Developing countries,
however, were more focused on economic development and feared that strict
environmental regulations could hinder their growth. To balance development and
environment, the United Nations decided to hold a global conference.
Conference Details
Official Name: United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (UNCHE)
Date: 5–16 June 1972
Place: Stockholm, Sweden
Participants: 113 countries, 19 intergovernmental agencies, 400 NGOs
Chairperson: Maurice Strong (Canada)
This was the first major international conference to make the environment a central global
issue.
Objectives
To identify urgent global environmental problems.
To create a common outlook and principles for preserving and enhancing the human
environment.
To bridge the gap between environmental protection and economic development,
especially for developing nations.
To establish international cooperation in tackling cross-border environmental issues.
Key Issues Discussed
Pollution of air, water, and oceans.
Conservation of natural resources.
Population explosion and its environmental impact.
Climate concerns (then called global atmospheric problems).
Technology transfer to developing countries.
Linking development and environment (later called 'sustainable development').
Major Outcomes
a) Stockholm Declaration (26 Principles): A political document recognizing the
fundamental right to a quality environment, sovereign rights over resources with
responsibility, environmental protection as part of development, and international
cooperation.
b) Action Plan for the Human Environment: Contained 109 recommendations in three
areas – Global environmental assessment, environmental management activities, and
international measures to support national actions.
c) Creation of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme): Headquartered in Nairobi,
Kenya, UNEP became the leading UN body for coordinating global environmental action.
Impact on Developing Countries
Initially, many developing countries were hesitant, fearing environmental concerns would
restrict growth. The conference clarified that development and environment are not
enemies but must go hand in hand. This led to the concept of sustainable development
(further developed in the Brundtland Report, 1987).
Significance
First time environment was recognized as a global concern.
Introduced the idea of international responsibility in protecting the environment.
Strengthened international cooperation and law-making in areas like pollution control,
marine protection, and climate regulation.
Inspired further conferences like the Rio Earth Summit (1992) and the Paris Agreement
(2015).
Criticism / Limitations
Many recommendations were not legally binding.
Developed and developing countries had disagreements over priorities (environment vs
development).
Funding for implementation was limited.
Conclusion
The Stockholm Conference of 1972 was a historic milestone. It marked the beginning of
international environmental law and policy, established the UNEP, and laid the foundation
for the concept of sustainable development. Despite its limitations, it set the stage for all
future global environmental negotiations.
