The Influence of Environmental NGOs in the Global Society

This paper assesses the overall impact and influence of environmental nongovernmental organization (NGO) networks from the local to the global setting. Networks of various types of NGOs have developed and emerged in recent decades as significant actors in global politics. This paper looks at the impact these networks have in political and societal arenas, such as the business practices of large multinational corporations. A qualitative analysis of several cases involving NGOs is conducted, assessing what actions or strategies were most effective, particularly in promoting environmentally sustainable policies and practices and establishing a Culture of Peace. Research combines a review of existing literature along with personal observations from working with a grassroots environmental NGO in Indianapolis, Indiana. Over recent decades, the number of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) has increased substantially, a phenomenon which has attracted much scholarly attention, with particular focus on their participation in domestic and international political processes. At the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, representatives from over 250 NGOs were in attendance. These representatives provided technical expertise, helped to establish the rules for NGO participation, participated in plenary sessions and committee meetings, and worked in forums to build connections between one another. Scholars identify this event as one of the major turning points in the liberalization of the NGO system that followed as the number of NGOs accredited to subsequent conferences has continued to grow. (Betsill and Corell 1-2) In regards to achieving sustainable development, the U.N. acknowledged NGOs as partners who can contribute significantly to these efforts with its Agenda 21. Point 27.3 of the non-binding action plan reads: [n]on-governmental organizations, including those non-profit organizations representing groups addressed in the present section of Agenda 21, possess well-established and diverse experience, expertise, and