ABSTRACT
The Rio Conference was criticised by many developing countries on the grounds that it was hijacked into concentrating on climate change and biodiversity losses. The poor nations believe that the wealthy commandeer these issues because they have a vested interest in long-term climate stability, and have a huge guilt trip over their prolonged period of greenhouse gas emissions. As for biodiversity, well, that begins abroad: it is regarded as a moral issue linked to the civil and property rights of indigenous peoples. Biodiversity enhancement in nations with a long history of land transformation is yet to be recognised as a high priority.
