Step 1 : Understanding the Question
This is a factual question regarding global environmental governance. It asks for the location of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). This summit was a major milestone in international efforts to balance economic development with environmental protection, ten years after the original Earth Summit.
Key Formulas and approach
The approach here is "Historical Event Identification." One must distinguish between the various global environmental summits. The "Earth Summit" (1992) was in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The "World Summit on Sustainable Development" (2002), often called "Rio+10," took place in a different continent. Identifying the specific city and country is required for a correct answer.
Step 2 : Detailed Explanation
Context of the Summit: The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) was organized by the United Nations to review the progress made since the 1992 Earth Summit. It focused on issues like poverty, clean water, sanitation, and energy, alongside biodiversity conservation.
Timing and Location: The summit took place from August 26 to September 4, 2002. It was hosted in the city of Johannesburg.
Geography of the Host: Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa. Therefore, the WSSD is frequently referred to as the "Johannesburg Summit."
Outcomes of WSSD: The summit produced the "Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development" and a Plan of Implementation. It emphasized the "triple bottom line"—the idea that sustainable development must address social, economic, and environmental pillars together.
Comparison with Other Options: The USA (B) has hosted various UN meetings, and South Korea (C) hosted the CBD COP12, but the WSSD was specifically a South African event.
Step 3 : Final Answer
The World Summit on Sustainable Development was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002. This makes option (A) the correct choice.