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IPCC Created
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a joint venture between the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme is established. Its goal is to provide the world's nations with scientific information about human-induced climate change. https://www.ipcc.ch/about/ -
UNFCCC Adopted
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the first major international treaty regarding climate change, is adopted. It was signed by 197 nations, and aims to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions. It also puts emphasis on developed nations leading the way in the fight against climate change. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-convention/what-is-the-united-nations-framework-convention-on-climate-change -
Energy Policy Act Passes
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 is enacted into law. It aimed to lower U.S. dependence on petroleum amended previous laws to increase clean energy use in the U.S. It also included a tax credit on renewable energy production, helping result in the expansion of the wind energy industry. https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/key_legislation#:~:text=The%20Energy%20Policy%20Act%20(EPAct)%20of%201992%20(Public%20Law,renewable%20energy%2C%20and%20energy%20efficiency. -
Kyoto Protocol Adopted
The Kyoto Protocol, the globe's first greenhouse gas emissions reduction treaty, is adopted. It put the UNFCCC into effect by making nations limit greenhouse emissions based on individual targets for specific member states. 192 parties (nations) signed the Protocol and all 37 member states that fully participated in the first commitment period complied fully with the guidelines. However, the U.S. is not a party of the Protocol. https://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol -
EU Emissions Trading System Begins
The European Union begins its Emissions Trading System. It is a system participated in by all EU member states to reduce carbon emissions, and to have a net reduction in greenhouse emissions of 55% or more by 2030. It operates under a "cap and trade" principle in which there is an overall cap on emissions, which decreases over time. Companies trade "emission allowances" with other companies as needed. https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets_en -
Emissions Reporting Begins in the U.S.
As a section of the Fiscal Year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency required public reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. It was mandated for large sources (25,000 metric tons per year, though this differs by state), and the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program database was established to track all greenhouse emissions data. https://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting/learn-about-greenhouse-gas-reporting-program-ghgrp -
Cancun Agreements Adopted
The Cancun Agreements are adopted. It created new regulations for reducing greenhouse emissions, developing clean energy technology and protecting Earth's forests. It also instituted a large package of funds to help developing nations deal with climate change. https://unfccc.int/process/conferences/the-big-picture/milestones/the-cancun-agreements -
Paris Agreement Adopted
The Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, is adopted. It is seen as a landmark moment in the global fight against climate change. Its goal is to limit the rise in Earth's average temperature to below 2° C (3.6° F) compared to preindustrial levels and to have climate neutrality by 2050. It operates under nationally determined contributions showing how emissions will be reduced. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement -
Climate Solutions Caucus Founded
The Climate Solutions Caucus is created by Reps. Carlos Curbelo (R) and Ted Deutch (D) of Florida. It is a bipartisan caucus within Congress that works to solve climate issues in the U.S. A Senate caucus was later founded by Sens. Mike Braun (R) of Indiana and Chris Coons (D) of Delaware. Each caucus adds Democrats and Republicans simultaneously, as "both parties have to be at the table" in order to make progress on climate change. https://www.coons.senate.gov/climate-solutions-caucus/members -
New Energy Provisions in U.S.
As a part of the Federal Omnibus Budget Bill, many major energy provisions were included. This includes tax credits on solar energy, increased energy efficiency in federal buildings, the Department of Energy (DOE) increasing research and development of renewable energy, incentives for hydroelectric power through 2036, new goals for renewable energy on federal land and grid modernizing by the DOE. https://www.natlawreview.com/article/six-key-energy-related-provisions-federal-omnibus-budget-bill