Global powers convene at the Rio +20 U.N. conference to try to determine a sustainable pathway for global development.<br/> <br />A draft text prepared by diplomats this week laid out global aspirations, rather than mandatory goals, on issues like food security, water and energy.<br/> <br />The U.N. announced that more than 50 governments have launched new energy strategies while private investors have pledged more than $50 billion to global renewable energy initiatives.<br/> <br />Greenpeace activists raised a huge polar bear balloon next to Rio's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, calling for a U.N. resolution that would establish a global sanctuary in the Arctic, banning oil drilling and unsustainable fishing.<br/> <br />Meanwhile, Brazil and China signed a handful of trade agreements aimed at boosting investment and commerce flows for the coming decade.<br/> <br />Sarah Sheffer, Reuters
