Climate Change Background
Adoption of the Kyoto Agreement
The adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992 was a major step forward in tackling the problem of global warming. Yet as greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels continued to rise around the world, it became increasingly evident that only a firm and binding commitment by developed countries to reduce emissions could send a signal strong enough to convince businesses, communities, and individuals to act on climate change. Member countries of the UNFCCC therefore began negotiations on a protocol — an international agreement linked to the existing treaty, but standing on its own. After two and…
