The United Nations, naturally, has taken the lead. There are four itemized “purposes” for the existence of the UN outlined in its 1945 charter. Nearly all pertain to health and peace-keeping and cultural respect, but item three mentions specifically, “To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems...” Indeed, we are now into global health problems which have a good chance of straining peace. What better institution than the UN to pull members to the discussion table.
(The UN, itself, has a wealth of information within its expansive web pages. A few are listed here, but take some time to check through other sections of culture, peace and science.)
After initial concerns from scientists during the ’60’s and ’70’s, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was formed in 1988 to assess climate change. Their report was published in 1990.
In 1992, environmental summits were held in Rio de Janeiro to address biodiversity, desertification and climate change.
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change began its work in March of 1994. The participating nations were “encouraged” to sign on to the stipulations and timelines set by this body as regarding greenhouse gases.
The UNFCCC (above) issued a further Protocol in Kyoto in 1997, "committing and legally binding" nations to reduce gas emissions outlined in the previous convention. The US government made it clear during that period that it would not ratify the Protocol. Documents and articles of the time indicate why the government, including both the White House and the Senate, conditionally supported Kyoto, but refused to ratify.
In brief, the US was concerned that “developing” countries were not being held accountable to the extent of the developed world. (Think about that argument in terms of who created this problem...) The US was very concerned about the implications this treaty would have on our domestic economy. The Protocol, however, does recognize that developed countries are essentially responsible for most of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally.
Green = Ratified Kyoto Protocol
