World Summit ends in disappointment

While leaving the World Summit on sustainable development in Johannesburg, many delegates were not sure if it had been worth the effort. Disappointment was voiced at the failure to set targets for increase in the use of renewable energy as the United States and some oil producing countries blocked the move, but they welcomed new targets on sanitation in developing countries and a promise to restore global fish stocks.

Although they agreed to help the poor gain access to affordable energy, the summit couldn't agree specific goals to boost the share of global energy that …