Leaves and Twigs: A Rio+20 News Roundup

Today marks the end of the  United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio+20 offered a historic opportunity for world leaders, governments, NGOs and the private sector to come together to shape a plan for reducing poverty, advancing social equity and ensuring environmental protection on an increasingly crowded planet. In recognition of the important event, this week’s roundup is focused largely on the news coming out of Rio+20…

• “Yes, there are things the Rio summit can accomplish,” says Rainforest Alliance president Tensie Whelan in a new piece. [Reuters]
• Not at Rio+20? You can still get in on the action with this extraordinary series of photos from the event. [The Guardian]
• Is the conference being overshadowed by the global economic crisis? [The New York Times]
• Women must be part of the conversation at this Earth summit. [Grist]
• Fresh perspectives on what is missing from Rio+20. [The New York Times]
• A look back at a remarkable speech (delivered by a 12-year-old girl) that floored participants at the 1992 Rio Summit. [Grist]
• The Environmental Working Group is back with a list of what to buy organic. [Grist]
• Now, ethical coffee doesn’t have to come at a premium price. [Green Futures]
• Explore the Amazon rainforest with 50 phenomenal photos. [Pxleyes]
• The world’s first cattle farm has earned Rainforest Alliance certification. [Rainforest Alliance]
• Can you travel the world without exploiting the environment (and its inhabitants)? [The New York Times]
• Five tips for travel in the Mayan world. [Sustainable Trip]

We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on the summit in the comments.