Improving access to environmentally sound technology

Implementing measures to increase use of environmentally sound technology
Ensuring policies expand access to environmentally sound technology

Description

Improving access to environmentally sound technology involves facilitating the transfer, adaptation, and widespread adoption of sustainable innovations, particularly in developing regions. This strategy addresses barriers such as high costs, lack of technical knowledge, and restrictive intellectual property regimes. Practical actions include fostering international cooperation, supporting capacity-building, and creating enabling policy frameworks to ensure that clean technologies are affordable, accessible, and effectively implemented, thereby reducing environmental harm and promoting sustainable development.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends examination by governments and, where appropriate, by relevant organizations maintaining existing policies (including subsidies and tax policies) and regulations, to determine whether they encourage or impede access to, transfer of or introduction of environmentally sound technology.