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The eyes of the world will be on Rio de Janeiro this week as some 100 heads of state--the biggest high-level political powwow in history--gather for the United Nations Conference on Environment & Development. Few observers, however, will be watching developments more anxiously than leaders of U.S. industry.
Their concern is understandable. Actions taken at the June 3-14 event, called the "Earth Summit," could have profound impact on national economies and industrial competitiveness, especially in the U.S.
"Opportunities for cost increases for business abound, with American companies bearing the brunt," frets one trade-association environmental official in the U.S., pleading anonymity, lest his industry be labeled as "anti-environment." Any or all of several well-intentioned prospective agreements, he notes, carry "potential mischief."
For example, an overarching "Rio Declaration" is expected to commit nations to broad principles that, among other initiatives, call for actions against environmental threats--even those that haven't been proved scientifically to be dangerous.
A more specifIc document, the 800-page "Agenda 21," is likely to include more than 100 provisions addressing everything from use of energy to controlling toxic wastes. Environmentalists would like the plan to mandate rigid worldwide environmental standards...