Watch CBS News

Environmental Law Experts Discuss Impact Of Rio+20

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Environmental law experts meeting in Baltimore this week are putting a more positive spin on the results of the Rio+20 summit.

Speakers assessing the impact of the recent summit in Brazil said Monday that many focused too much on what was left out of the summit's final document. Many activists were hoping for calls to end fossil fuel subsidies and stronger ocean protection.

Amy Fraenkel, a regional director of the United Nations Environment Program, said the text included important language on reducing ocean pollution, particularly from plastics, and the development of sustainable cities. Brazilian High Court Justice Antonio Herman Benjamin, meanwhile, said the text can be used by judges and lawmakers worldwide to help craft and implement sustainable development legislation.

The two spoke at the University of Maryland law school.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.