What is being done?
In order to control climate change the world simply needs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The IPCC has estimated that emissions must be cut down by 60% globally. Climate change is a global issue. All countries contribute to it and are affected by it in various degrees. Reducing emissions will require investments and changes to how we live and how we produce and use energy. Even if we take firm action now, temperatures will continue to rise for a while. However, it is still possible to prevent the more severe consequenses of the ongoing process.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
In the 1980s, evidence of climate change was mounting. The increased awareness and concern led to a need to co-operate globally. In 1992, governments agreed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This international agreement has been formally accepted by 189 countries. The 189 governments monitor and report the greenhouse gases they produce, develop climate change strategies, and help the poorer among them in the collective task.
The Kyoto Protocol
The next step was taken in 1997, when the governments agreed the Kyoto Protocol. This treaty commits the industrialised countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and reach certain targets by 2012. For most countries these targets require reductions of 5 to 8 % from 1990 levels. The Kyoto Protocol focuses on industrialised countries. They are responsible for most of the emissions and also have the knowledge and money to reduce them. Only the US and Australia have decided not to participate in the Kyoto Protocol although they had initially planned to do so.
How about the future?
International discussions about the future climate change policies are starting now. It may be necessary that, by the year 2050, industrialised countries reduce their greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 60–80 %. It is also important for the wealthiest developing countries to participate in a future agreement, because their emissions are rising fast.