EARTH SUMMIT : DEVELOPMENTS IN RIO

Nature as Chemistry Lab

Biodiversity has a major role in medicine, experts say. And without habitat protection, many valuable plants could disappear before their value is determined, according to biologists. Mark Plotkin of Conservation International said half of America’s drugs are derived from natural substances. “Some of the hottest anti-viral drugs come from tropical plants,” Plotkin said.

Crime Drops as Troops Stand Guard

They said it couldn’t be done. Brazil, rarely a model of efficiency, is hosting the biggest gathering of world leaders in history. And everything is running smoothly. With 30,000 or more troops and police on patrol, radio stations have reported a 50% decrease in street crime in popular tourist areas. The troops--some riding tanks--help explain why visitors are not bothered by crime. And beggars and street children were pulled off the street in a citywide cleanup by police.

The Prize for Poetry Goes to . . .

Ancient poets from India, medieval Icelandic bards and Chinese proverbs were invoked Friday by world leaders in an effort to stand out in the flurry of speeches. But the prize for originality went to Barbados Prime Minister Erskine Sandiford, who read a poem he had written. In an “Ode to the Environment,” he told the leaders, “All share the enveloping environment with eons and electrons, with the birds and the bees, the toads and the trees, the sands and the seas.”

Gadgets for a Cleaner Planet

EcoBrasil 92, the environmental trade fair and Earth Summit sister event, carried an important message--environmental protection can be good business. The fair featured an array of environmental goods and services. On display was everything from giant pollution-control equipment to a water-powered car to an air-conditioner that runs on solar energy. The biggest players in the field: the United States, Germany and Japan.

Rio Warming Takes Its Toll

The marathon negotiating sessions and the heat at the Earth Summit have taken their toll on delegates. Health centers at the RioCentro conference hall have treated more than 1,000 people so far, mainly for symptoms of stress, newspapers reported. Stocks of vitamins and tranquilizers have almost run out. After a high of 89 degrees Thursday, participants got a break Friday when the temperature dipped to a high of 75. But air quality warnings were not available. Employees of the state agency that monitors air and water pollution have been on strike since May 25.

Weekend Schedule

Today

Speeches by visiting heads of state.

Group photo.

Sunday

Signing ceremony for documents including Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration.

Speeches by conference organizer Maurice Strong and Brazilian President Fernando Collor de Mello.

Closing ceremony.