prices of commodities, high interest rates, the debt crisis, erratic exchange rates and the consequent net transfer of resources from developing countries have adversely affected economic growth and development. In developed countries also, increased protectionism coupled with rising exhorbitant prices of imports and the resultant decline in investment have cumulatively combined and persisted and have put many developing countries in a situation from which they are unable to extricate themselves. The deficiencies in domestic economic management in developing countries have also been compounded. The economic problems facing developing countries have been accompanied by increasing inability to invest in the human aspects of development and in gross under-utilization of human resources. Unemployment and under-employment have reached record levels. The difficulties facing developing countries have been RM/10 A/S-18/PV.6 44 (Mr. Obure, Kenya) further compounded by a slow-down in technology transfer and adaptation, which is much needed in improving production capacities. The urgent need for international co-operation for action on the environment has become increasingly accepted. The scientific evidence on the present and future threats posed by environmental degradatioo through pollution, desertification and deforestation and the consequences for the future of the planet and future generations have caused increasing concern world-wide. Most of the risks cause havoc across national boundaries. Others, such as the destruction of the ozone layer, are global in scope, and even those considered geographically limited in their.direct impact have global repercussions. The concern about environmental degradation, now internationally shared, has its roots, appropriately, in the industrialized developed countries. It is in those countries that the most worrisome dangers, such as the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or the concentration of chlorofluorocarbons, originate. They are ,largely the consequences of the past and present production and consumption activities in pursuit of gra.o~th and development. Excessive gra.o~th md affluence was achieved through the neglect of environmental costs of economic 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the challenges faced by developing countries in terms of economic growth and development, which is affected by various factors such as high interest rates, debt crisis, and protectionism. It also highlights the impact of environmental degradation on the planet and future generations. The text does not specifically mention agriculture, forestry, fishing, industry, transport, communication, health, education, humanitarian aid, or culture. However, it does touch on the theme of science and technology in the context of technology transfer and adaptation.

**Category**
Economic development, Natural resources and environment