Global Solutions

Ever wanted a taste of what it'd be like to live in different countries all over the world? Guess what! You already are! The air around us is a mixing pot of pollution from all over the world. Pollution does not stop at state or national borders. We can reduce pollution on an individual, state, or national level, but it won't solve the problem. Pollution will continue to be a menace until all nations come together and vow to reduce pollution on a global scale. Some efforts are already under way.

In 1992, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted by 154 nations and the European Union. It is a voluntary strategy to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions at or below 1990 levels.

In 1997, the United Nations agreed to the Kyoto Protocol during a meeting in Kyoto, Japan. The Kyoto Protocol requires developed nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to an average of five percent below 1990 levels by 2008 - 2012. Specific requirement rates vary between nations.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1988. Its main objective was to assess scientific, technical and socioeconomic information relevant to the understanding of human induced climate change, potential impacts of climate change and options for mitigation and adaptation.