TRIGGER Project - Key Developments in the Governance of the Sustainable Development Goals
By Gaby Umbach
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Period: 400 BCE to 27 BCE
Ancient authors discuss environmental degradation
Ancient authors discuss different types of environmental degradation resulting from human activities, such as farming, logging, mining (Plato, 5th century BC; Strabo and Columella, 1st century BC; Pliny the Elder, 1st century AD; Varro, 1st century AD). They are already recommending ‘sustainable practices’ to maintain resources. -
Period: 1450 to
European 'Holznot'
European economies are endangered by different degrees of shortage of wood due to overconsumption (‘Holznot). -
1556
'De Re Metallica'
In ‘De Re Metallica’, Georg Agricola (born Georg Bauer), a German Humanist scholar, mineralogist and mining engineer, describes the negative impacts of woodcutting and mining on wildlife. -
Term ‘sustainability’ used for the first time
The term ‘sustainability’ is used for the first time by Hans Carl von Carlowitz, German cameralist and high-level mining administrator, in his book ‘Sylvicultura Oeconomica’. He describes a ‘sustainable use’ (‘Nachhaltige Nutzung’) of forest resources in his book and defines it as maintaining a balance between harvesting old trees and planting new ones. -
Simon Kuznets standardises Gross Domestic Product
Simon Kuznets standardises the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He will win the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1971. -
Bretton Woods Conference
The Bretton Woods Conference agrees on a post-World War II system of economic order and international cooperation. -
Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan is established. It sets up a European Recovery Programme. -
International Union for the Conservation of Natural Resources
The International Union for the Conservation of Natural Resources (IUCN) is founded. Its initial name is International Union for the Protection of Nature. -
Great London Smog
The ‘Great London Smog’ is the outcome of a combination of industrial pollution and high-pressure weather. It develops lethal smog over London. -
Nuclear accident at Windscale, UK
First significant nuclear accident at Windscale/UK. -
Period: to
Debates on limits of earth’s carrying capacity
One of the key concerns of environmental movements was the acknowledgement of the limits of the earth’s carrying capacity. Moreover, nuclear proliferation and the first photographies of the earth from space nurtured concern about the planet. -
World Wildlife Fund
World Wildlife Fund is established as an international organisation focused on the conservation of nature and the protection of the environment and species. -
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First United Nations Development Decade
The First United Nations Development Decade is inaugurated to support low-income countries achieve development. -
'Silent Spring'
Rachel Carson’s book ‘Silent Spring’ discusses the potentially catastrophic impact of agricultural pesticides linking them to damages to animal species and human health. -
'A new strategy for global development'
The report ‘A new strategy for global development‘ of the World Bank’s Commission on International Development, the so-called ‘Pearson Report’, is published. It has been developed by the first international commission to consider a new approach to development and is focused on encouraging research and knowledge in the South. It leads to the foundation of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in 1970. -
‘Spaceship Earth’
Barbara Ward’s book ‘Spaceship Earth’ is published. -
'SS Torrey Canyon' supertanker accident
In a supertanker accident, the 'SS Torrey Canyon' runs aground between Scilly Isles and Land's End in England. 120 000 tonnes of oil leak, killing most marine life along the UK south coast and the French Normandy coast. -
Environmental Defense Fund
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is created to develop legal and policy solutions to environmental damage. -
Period: to
Large oil spills
First large oil spills from super tankers. -
UNESCO Intergovernmental Conference for Rational Use and Conservation of the Biosphere
The UNESCO Intergovernmental Conference for Rational Use and Conservation of the Biosphere discusses the concept of an ecologically sustainable development. -
GDP challenged as key measure of progress
Robert F. Kennedy challenges GDP as the key measure for progress of nations in a speech at the University of Kansas. -
'The Population Bomb'
Paul R. Ehrlich’s book ‘The Population Bomb’ analyses the connections between human population, resource exploitation and environment. -
UN Resolution on ‘Problems of the Human Environment’
The UN General Assembly Resolution 2398(XXIII) on ‘Problems of the Human Environment’ calls for a Conference on Human Environment in 1972. The resolution requests the UN Secretary-General to prepare a report on the nature, scope and progress of work in the field of the human environment. This report should also focus on main problems facing developed and developing countries, including possibilities for increased international cooperation. -
'A New Strategy for Global Development'
The World Bank’s Commission on International Development report ‘A New Strategy for Global Development‘, the so-called ‘Pearson Report’, is published. It has been developed by the first international commission to consider a new approach to development and is focused on encouraging research and knowledge in the South. The report leads to the foundation of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in 1970. -
Friends of the Earth founded
Friends of the Earth is founded as an advocacy organisation dedicated to inter alia prevention of environmental degradation. -
Icelandic herring stock collapses
During the Icelandic summer the spawning herring stock collapses as a result of high fishing pressure and deteriorating environment. -
ODA set to 0.7% of GNI for OECD countries
Based on the Pearson Report, the Official Development Assistance (ODA) is set to 0.7% of GNI by the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC). -
First Earth Day
The first Earth Day is held in the USA. It gives voice to the emerging public consciousness about the state of the planet. -
Period: to
Decade of environmental movements
A decade of environmental movements starts and sees the creation of first green parties and the setting up of first environment ministries in national government. -
Fournex Report on Development and Environment
The Fournex Report on Development and Environment calls for the integration of environmental and development strategies. The report has a critical role in laying the ground for the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm. -
Global initiative on international annual Earth Day
A global initiative is launched to celebrate Earth Day internationally and annually. -
Greenpeace
[Greenpeace](https://www.greenpeace.org0 is founded and pursues its agenda to stop environmental damage through civil protests and non-violent interference. -
International Institute for Environment and Development
The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is founded. In its work, it seeks a balance between economic development and environmental resources use and preservation. -
OECD ‘Guiding Principles concerning International Economic Aspects of Environmental Policies‘
The OECD Guiding Principles concerning International Economic Aspects of Environmental Policies baptise the Polluter Pays Principle as the economic principle for allocating the costs of pollution control and for environmental damage to be borne by the polluter. -
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Second United Nations Development Decade
The second United Nations Development Decade begins. Its activities are more extensive than that of the first decade. It reconfirms macroeconomic growth targets at an accelerated rate of 6% per year and 3.5% per capita. -
OECD Polluter Pays Principle
OECD adopts Polluter Pays Principle as a guiding principle. -
‘Limits to Growth’
Club of Rome publishes ‘Limits to Growth’ and predicts dire consequences of undamped growth: "The earth’s interlocking resources – the global system of nature in which we all live – probably cannot support present rates of economic and population growth much beyond the year 2100, if that long, even with advanced technology". -
‘Only one world’
Barbara Ward and René Dubos publish ‘Only one world: The care and maintenance of a small planet’ commissioned for UN Conference on the Human Environment. It is prepared with assistance of an international committee of 152 experts from 58 countries. The report sounds the alarm bell about the impact of human activity on the biosphere, but also transmits the optimism that a shared concern for the planet could lead to a common future. -
European Environmental Policy
The European Heads of State and Government's Paris Declaration launches the European Communities Environmental Policy. -
UN Conference on the Human Environment
The UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm introduces the sustainable development paradigm into the global political debate. It has a development and environment focus and is motivated by regional pollution and acid rain problems of northern Europe. The conference led to the establishment of many national environmental protection agencies and provides the foundation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). -
First EC Environment Action Programme
The first EC Environment Action Programme (EAP) is adopted to outline the priorities of future environmental policies of the European Community. -
'Survival of Spaceship Earth'
Barbara Ward’s documentary ‘Survival of Spaceship Earth’ is published. It was produced for the 1972 first UN Conference on the Human Environment. -
Environnement et Développement du Tiers Monde
Environnement et Développement du Tiers Monde (ENDA) is created to provide courses and training on environment and development in Africa. In 1978, it will become an international voluntary non-profit organisation concerned with empowering local peoples, eliminating poverty, and research and training for sustainable development at all levels. -
World’s first Green Party founded
The world’s first Green Party is founded in Tasmania/Australia. It is the first green party to participate in elections. -
World’s first National Green Party is founded
The world’s first National Green Party is founded in New Zealand. -
Oil price shock and debate about economic growth patterns
Arab-Israeli war leads to oil price shock and economic crisis provoking reflections on energy efficiency and economic growth patterns. -
European Commission's Environment and Consumer Protection Service
Environment and Consumer Protection Service is established in European Commission's Department for Industrial Policy. -
European Parliament's Standing Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
Standing Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety is created in European Parliament. -
USA Endangered Species Act
The USA Endangered Species Act is adopted. It is one of the first legal protections of fish, wildlife, and plants. -
Chipko movement
The Chipko movement is created in India in response to deforestation and environmental degradation. It influenced forestry and women’s participation in environmental protection. -
'Stratospheric sink for chlorofluoromethanes: chlorine atom-catalysed destruction of ozone'
M. J. Rowland and F. S. Molina publish 'Stratospheric sink for chlorofluoromethanes: chlorine atom-catalysed destruction of ozone' on ozone destruction in the scientific journal ‘Nature’ calculating that unaltered use of CFC gases would critically deplete ozone layer. -
Latin American World Model / Bariloche Model
The Latin American World Model / Bariloche Model proposed by the Argentine Fundacion Bariloche calls for growth and equity for the Third World. The world model was developed as a response to the Club of Rome’s ‘Limits of Growth’. -
European Community Polluter Pays Principle
European Community adopts Polluter Pays Principle -
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) enters into force. -
Worldwatch Institute
The Worldwatch Institute is founded, It raises public awareness about global environmental threats and develops effective policy responses. Since 1984 it publishes its annual State of the World report. -
Seveso chemical accident
Explosion of a chemical plant in Seveso/Italy. -
UN Habitat I Conference
The United Nations Habitat I Conference is the first global conference on the challenges of urbanisation. It links the environment and human settlement. It will lead to the creation of the intergovernmental UN Commission on Human Settlement, a predecessor of UN-Habitat, and the UN Centre for Human Settlements in 1979. -
Institute for European Environmental Policy
The Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) is established. -
UN Plan of Action to Combat Desertification
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UN Commission on Human Settlement / UN Centre for Human Settlements
The intergovernmental UN Commission on Human Settlement, a predecessor of UN-Habitat, and the UN Centre for Human Settlements are established. -
Green Belt Movement
The Green Belt Movement is created in Kenya. It is dedicated to community tree-planting to prevent desertification. In 2004, Wangari Maathai, the founder of the Green Belt Movement, will receive the Nobel Peace Prize. -
UN Habitat
UN-Habitat is established. -
OECD research on environmental and economic linkages
The OECD Directorate of the Environment relaunches research on environmental and economic linkages. -
'Amoco Cadiz' oil spill
Oil tanker 'Amoco Cadiz' spills 68 million gallons off the coast of France. -
UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution
The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution is adopted as first international legally-binding instrument on air pollution on a broad regional basis. It addresses environmental problems of the UNECE region through scientific collaboration and policy negotiation. The high-level ministerial meeting resulted in the signature by 34 governments and European Community. -
IIED report ‘Banking on the Biosphere?’
The IIED report ‘Banking on the Biosphere?' on environmental procedures and practices of nine multilateral development agencies sets the stage for reforms. -
Three Mile Island nuclear accident
Three Mile Island nuclear accident occurs in the USA. -
World Conservation Strategy
The International Union for the Conservation of Natural Resources (IUCN) publishes the World Conservation Strategy. The strategy contains a section entitled ‘Towards Sustainable Development’. It can be seen as a precursor of the Sustainable Development concept. It highlights the interdependence of conservation and development and calls for a new international development strategy to address inequities. -
German Green Party
The German Green Party is founded and changes the patterns of the German party system. -
North-South: A Programme for Survival
The Independent Commission on International Development Issues publishes ‘North-South: A Programme for Survival’, the so-called Brandt Report. It contains a call for a new economic relationship between North and South. -
Global 2000 Report
The Global 2000 Report on sustainable societal development is released. The report concluded that pollution, overpopulation, global warming, and other environmental issues posed severe threats to the future of humanity. It calls for international cooperation in solving these problems and recognises biodiversity as a critical component for the functioning of the planetary ecosystem. -
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First UNIDO Industrial Development Decade for Africa
The first UNIDO Industrial Development Decade for Africa begins. -
European Commission DG Environment
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment is created. -
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Third United Nations Development Decade
The Third United Nations Development Decade begins and reiterates the demand for a new international economic order and institutional as well as structural changes in international economic relations. It issues an explicit call for poverty and hunger eradication, and commits to food security. It brings forward the notion of ‘fair distribution of benefits’ and pays tribute to the ecological soundness and funding of environmental management. -
UN World Charter for Nature
The United Nations World Charter for Nature establishes five "principles of conservation by which all human conduct affecting nature is to be guided and judged": (1) Nature shall be respected; (2) Genetic viability shall not be compromised; (3) All areasshall be subject to these conservation principles; (4) The management of ecosystems shall not endanger integrity of other ecosystems; (5) Nature shall be secured against degradation caused by warfare. -
World Resources Institute
The World Resources Institute is founded. In 1986, it will start its biennial assessments of World Resources. -
Latin American and international debt crisis
The Latin American and international debt crisis threatens the world financial system. It initiates a most difficult decade for Latin America and developing regions. -
UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is adopted. It establishes rules concerning environmental standards and enforcement provisions for the pollution of the marine environment. -
UN World Commission on Environment and Development
The UN World Commission on Environment and Development is created. -
German Greens enter Parliament
The German Green Party enters Parliament for the first time. -
Development Alternatives
Development Alternatives is created in India. It is the world's first social enterprise dedicated to sustainable development and a research and action organisation striving to deliver socially equitable, environmentally sound and economically scalable development outcomes. -
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Ethiopia’s hunger crisis
Ethiopia’s food shortage and hunger crisis spans from 1983 to 1985 with an estimated one million famine deaths; the famine originated in an extreme drought event. -
Third World Network
The Third World Network is founded. It is an independent non-profit international research and advocacy organisation involved in issues relating to development, developing countries and North-South affairs. It takes an activist role for the global South on issues of economics, development, and environment. -
Bhopal accident
The Bhopal industrial accident is caused by a toxic chemical leak that leaves 10,000 dead and 300,000 injured in the city of Bhopal/India. -
International Conference on Environment and Economics
The International Conference on Environment and Economics is held at the OECD. It underlines that the environment and economics should be mutually reinforcing. Its discussions also help shape the UN report ‘Our Common Future’. -
Antarctic ozone hole discovered
Antarctic ozone hole discovered by J. C. Farman, B. G. Gardiner, and J. D. Shanklin -
European Corine programme
The European Commission establishes the Corine programme. It deals with the coordination of information on the environment and is the first European-wide system for environmental data collection. It will inspire the creation of the European Environment Agency. -
Villach International Conference
The WMO-UNEP-ICSU Villach International Conference of the Assessment of the role of carbon dioxide and of other greenhouse gases in climate variations and associated impacts discusses the impact of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in climate variations and associated impacts. The Villach Conference Statement includes recommendations to governments and funding institutions on the monitoring and research. -
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Agenda-setting phase of international climate change regime
Agenda-setting phase of international climate change regime leads to a general increase in global environmental concerns. -
Chernobyl
The Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident generates a massive toxic radioactive explosion. -
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OECD Development Advisory Committee
The OECD Development Advisory Committee reviews multilateral aid and develops guidelines for the environment and development in bilateral aid policies. -
‘Brundtland Report’ ‘Our Common Future’
The UN World Commission on Environment and Development publishes the ‘Brundtland Report’ ‘Our Common Future’ which places sustainable development on the international political agenda. It is the first explicit definition of sustainable development and establishes links between economic growth, resource depletion and social justice with inter-generational equity introduced into the reflection on the economy. -
Environment in Single European Act
The Polluter Pays Principle and environmental protection are incorporated in the Single European Act. -
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is adopted as "a global agreement to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it". -
10th WMO Congress
At the 10th WMO Congress, national delegations call for the WMO to provide authoritative information on the state of knowledge on human-induced climate change. They agree with the Villach International Conference recommendations for periodic assessments of scientific knowledge and support the assessment mechanism to be operate under guidance of governments rather than of scientists serving in personal capacities. -
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European Year of the Environment
The European Year of the Environment aims to raise awareness of environmental topics, encourage debate and change attitudes. -
World Conference on the Changing Atmosphere
The World Conference on the Changing Atmosphere: Implications for Global Security calls involved actors “to take specific actions to reduce the impending crisis caused by the pollution of the atmosphere”. -
Chico Mendes assassinated
Francisco Alves Mendes Filho, also known as Chico Mendes, is assassinated. He is a Brazilian rubber tapper fighting the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. Satellite photos document the destruction of the rain forest by Amazon fires. -
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The WMO-UNEP [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] (IPCC) (https://www.ipcc.ch/) is established as an intergovernmentally supervised expert assessment mechanism on climate change composed of three working groups. -
Exxon Valdez oil spill
Exxon Valdez oil spill is caused by the tanker running aground. 11 million gallons of oil are dumped into Alaska’s Prince William Sound. -
European Environment Agency | European Environment Information and Observation Network
The European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet) are established. -
First UN Human Development Report
The first UN Human Development Report is published by the UN Development Programme. It underlines the human-centered approach to development, introduces a new approach for advancing human well-being and for expanding the richness of human life, and not only of the economy in which humans live. It focuses on people’s opportunities and choices. -
First global Earth Day
The first global Earth Day mobilises 200 million people in 141 countries and lifts environmental issues further to the global governance arena. -
International Institute for Sustainable Development
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is established. It regularly publishes the Earth Negotiations Bulletin as a record of international negotiations on environment and development. -
World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children
The UN Summit for Children issues the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children. It recognises the impact of the environment on future generations. -
Regional Environmental Centre
The Regional Environmental Centre for Central and Eastern Europe is established. It addresses environmental challenges in the region and engages businesses, governments and civil society. -
UNECE Environment for Europe
The UNECE starts the {Environment for Europe](http://www.unece.org/env/efe/welcome.html) process with a first pan-European conference of environment ministers. -
Kuwait oil well fires
The Kuwait oil well fires follow the Persian Gulf War. -
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Canadian east coast cod fishery collapses
The Canadian east coast cod fishery collapses. An estimated 2,700 tonnes of spawning biomass are left after the harvest of 190,000 tonnes. -
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Fourth United Nations Development Decade
The fourth United Nations Development Decade begins. Poverty and sustainability become more central to the global development dialogue, as do the eradication of poverty and hunger; adult illiteracy; basic education for women: and the ‘runaway population growth’ in developing countries. It spreads the notion of ‘sustainable’ development, and acknowledges environmental deterioration caused by development projects. -
Business Council for Sustainable Development
The Business Council for Sustainable Development is established upon the request of the Secretary-General of UN Conference on Environment and Development. -
Polluter Pays Principle in Maastricht Treaty
The Polluter Pays Principle is integrated in the Maastricht Treaty and becomes a key principle of the Oporto Agreement on the European Economic Area. -
Changing Course
The book ‘Changing Course’ by Stephan Schmidheiny and the Business Council for Sustainable Development establishes the idea of business interests in promoting sustainable development practices. -
UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro
The UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro defines the 21st century agenda for environment and development, the ‘Agenda 21’, a global actions plan on sustainable development. It underlines the need to change consumption and production patterns. -
Global Environment Facility
The Global Environment Facility is established to support the fight against most pressing environmental problems. -
Stockholm Environment Institute
The Stockholm Environment Institute is created as an independent institute for global and regional environmental research. -
UN Commission on Sustainable Development
The UN Commission on Sustainable Development is established to ensure follow-up to the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), to enhance international cooperation, and to enhance intergovernmental decision-making capacity. -
World Industry Council for the Environment
The World Industry Council for the Environment (WICE) is created by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). -
Fifth EU Environment Action Programme ‘Towards Sustainability’
The fifth EU Environment Action Programme ‘Towards Sustainability’ puts the integration of environmental issues into other policy areas at the centre. It shifts from purely regulatory measures to an emphasis on economic and fiscal measures in environmental policies. -
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US Presidential Council for Sustainable Development
The US President’s Council for Sustainable Development is active under President B. Clinton. In its 1996 report it focusses on ‘Sustainable America: A New Consensus for Prosperity, Opportunity, and a Healthy Environment for the Future’. -
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Second UNIDO Industrial Development Decade for Africa
The second UNIDO Industrial Development Decade for Africa begins. -
China’s National Agenda 21
China’s National Agenda 21 presents a plan on population, environment and development. -
NAFTA Commission for Environmental Cooperation
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation is created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as a side agreement to the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation. -
International Conference on Population and Development Action Programme
The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) adopts its Programme of Action. -
First ‘State of the Environment in the European Union’ report
The first ‘State of the Environment in the European Union’ report (‘Dobris’ report) is published by the European Environmental Agency (EEA). -
Ken Saro-Wiwa is assassinated
Ken Saro-Wiwa is assassinated in Nigeria. His execution draws international attention to the link between human rights, environmental justice, security, and economic growth. -
World Trade Organisation
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is established. It formally acknowledges the link between trade, environment and development link. -
World Summit for Social Development
The World Summit for Social Development is the first occasion at which the international community expresses a clear commitment to eradicate absolute poverty. -
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development is created through merger of the Business Council for Sustainable Development and the World Industry Council for the Environment. -
ISO Standard 14001
The ISO Standard 14001 is formally adopted as a voluntary international standard for corporate environmental management systems. -
Summit of the Americas on Sustainable Development
The Summit of the Americas on Sustainable Development identifies joint efforts required to reach sustainable development at a global scale. -
UN Earth Summit +5
At the Earth Summit +5 the UN General Assembly reviews the implementation of the decisions of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The summit states that unbalanced progress has been made in implementing the Agenda 21, but ends without significant new commitments. -
Asian Financial Crisis and El Niño phenomenon
The Asian Financial Crisis raises questions about currency speculation and the need for government economic reforms. The parallel environmental crisis and land-clearing fires intensified by an El Niño induced drought exacerbate the crisis situation. -
UNECE Aarhus Convention
The UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (‘Aarhus Convention’) is adopted. -
'Greening' of EU policies
The European Council in Cardiff decides that EU policy areas such as agriculture, transport and energy should develop appropriate environmental strategies. -
Severe weather events
Unusually severe weather events hit 54 countries by floods, and 45 countries by drought. China experiences the worst floods in decades, the territory of Bangladesh is two-thirds underwater for several months from monsoons, and Central America is hit by Hurricane Mitch. The year also experiences the highest global temperature ever recorded. -
Failure of OECD Multilateral Agreement on Investment
The negotiations on the OECD Multilateral Agreement on Investment fail. It included standards for the liberalisation of investment regimes and investment protection and dispute settlement procedures. It never entered into force due to civil society protests and disagreement among governments over the scope of exceptions. -
Dow Jones Sustainability Index
The Dow Jones Sustainability Index is the first global sustainability index. It tracks leading corporate sustainability practices and provides guidance to investors looking for companies that follow sustainable development principles. -
Amsterdam Treaty
The Amsterdam Treaty enters into force. It requires environmental protection be integrated in the definition and implementation of Community policies and activities in order to promote sustainable development. -
Third World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference
The [third World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference] in Seattle (https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/minist_e/min99_e/min99_e.htm) is accompanied by protests against the negative effects of globalisation and growth of global corporations. It sees conflicts among WTO delegates that substantially disturb the negotiations. -
EU Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs
The EU Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs is adopted by the Lisbon European Council. -
UN Millennium Summit
The UN Millennium Summit establishes 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDG). MDG7 advocates for the integration of the sustainable development concept into national policies. The summit also adopts time-bound and measurable goals for combating poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women. -
Second World Water Forum
The second World Water Forum in The Hague defines water security as a critical concern for 21st century. -
Guidelines on Cooperation between United Nations and Business Community
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Fourth World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference
The final declaration of the fourth World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference recognises environmental and development concerns. -
EU communication 'A sustainable Europe for a better world: A European strategy for Sustainable Development'
The EU Commission’s communication COM(2001)264 on 'A sustainable Europe for a better world: A European strategy for Sustainable Development' is adopted. -
China becomes World Trade Organisation member
China becomes a member of the World Trade Organisation. The country accelerates national structural and economic changes and emerges as a major new force of the global economy. -
EU Sustainable Development Strategy
The EU Sustainable Development Strategy (EU SDS) is adopted by the Gothenburg European Council. -
Globa dimension added to EU Sustainable Development Strategy
The EU Commission’s Communication COM(2002)82 'Towards a global partnership for Sustainable Development' adds a global dimension to the 2001 EU Sustainable Development Strategy. -
World Summit on Sustainable Development
The World Summit on Sustainable Development takes place in Johannesburg a decade after the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) under the impression of a widespread frustration over the lack of national progress. It promotes ‘partnerships’ as a non-negotiated approach to achieving sustainability. -
Global Reporting Initiative
The Global Reporting Initiative establishes the GRI G2 Guidelines. It is a 5-years multi-stakeholder consensus-building process on guidelines for organisational reporting on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of their business activities. -
UN Bali guiding principles
The UN Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) adopts the Bali guiding principles for partnerships for sustainable development. -
Wangari Muta Maathai awarded Nobel Peace Prize
Wangari Muta Maathai is awarded Nobel Peace Prize “for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace”. She is the founder of the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. -
EU Environmental Liability Directive
The EU Environmental Liability Directive 2004/35/EC extends Polluter Pays Principle to include environmental and human welfare damage. -
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
In the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 1,300 experts from 95 countries provide scientific information on the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being. -
Review of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy
The EU Commission Communication 'The 2005 Review of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy: Initial Stocktaking and Future Orientations is published. -
Kyoto Protocol enters into force
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Kyoto Protocol nters into force when the Russian Federation submits its instrument of ratification. -
Review of the EU Lisbon Strategy
The EU Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs is reviewed. -
Renewal of EU Sustainable Development Strategy
The EU Sustainable Development Strategy is renewed. -
Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism opens
The Clean Development Mechanism, a key flexible mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol, opens for business. -
Greek debt crisis
The Greek debt crisis is the first in a series of events that turn into a global financial and economic crisis. -
Renewal of EU Lisbon Strategy
The EU Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs is renewed. -
EU Sustainable Development Strategy reviewed
The EU Sustainable Development Strategy is reviewed. -
Europe 2020 Strategy
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UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20
The UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 starts the process to define the Sustainable Development Goals for the 2015 reform of the MDG. -
UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
The United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is established to give political impetus to the UN sustainable development agenda. -
Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation
The Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation is constituted. -
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Post-2015 Development Agenda
The Post-2015 Development Agenda establishes a process to define the future global development framework to succeed the MDG. -
UN Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals
The UN General Assembly Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals works on defining specific goals for the SDGs and on a proposal for SDGs that form the basis of the agenda for the post-2015 SDG process. -
UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
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UN Principle-based Approach to Cooperation with Business
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UN ECOSOC Partnerships Forum
The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Partnerships Forum for sustainable development is set up -
Partnerships for SDGs online platform
The Partnerships for SDGs online platform is established by UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). -
Next Steps for a sustainable European future
The EU Commission’s Communication on Next Steps for a sustainable European future: European action for sustainability is published. -
EU Sustainable Development Package
The EU Sustainable Development Package includes: 'Sustainable Development: EU sets out its priorities'; '2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development'; 'Communication on next steps for a sustainable European Future'; Communication 'A renewed partnership with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries'; 'Communication on a new European Consensus on development'; 'Staff Working Document on European action for sustainability'; High-level multi-stakeholder platform. -
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Third UNIDO Industrial Development Decade for Africa
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UN Global SDG Indicator Framework
The UN Global Indicator Framework for the Sustainable Development Goals is agreed upon and adopted. -
European Consensus on Development
The European Consensus on Development is adopted as part of the EU response to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development the SDGs. The consensus defines the EU’s vision and action plan for development cooperation. -
First UN One Planet Summit
The first UN One Planet Summit of public and private sector leaders in Paris results in 12 climate commitments for the transition to a low carbon transition to increase ambition for the implementation of the UNFCCC Paris Agreement. -
EU Sustainable Development Indicators
The EU Sustainable Development Indicators (SDI) are adopted by the European Statistical System Committee. -
Second UN One Planet Summit
The second [UN One Planet Summit[(https://www.oneplanetsummit.fr/en) in New York reviews the first summit in 2017. It launches the One Planet La as a new collaboration tool. Lab members develop innovative solutions for environmentally friendly economic activities. Its work feeds into the 2019 UN Climate Summit. -
UN SDG Summit
At the UN SDG Summit, the High Level Political Forum adopts a political declaration inter alia to inaugurate the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development. Main aims are to mobilize financing, enhance national implementation, and strengthen institutions for the SDG. -
EU Commission proposes European Green Deal
The EU Commission presents its proposal for a European Green Deal COM(2019)640. Aiming at an eco-friendly transition of the European economy, it foresees climate neutrality by 2050, preservation of biodiversity, a circular economy. -
Regional One Planet Summit in Nairobi
The regional One Planet Summit in Nairobi seeks “to identify innovative solutions for the energy transition and the preservation of forests in Africa. With several Heads of State and Government attending, leaders of the initiatives taken as part of the One Planet movement announced their commitments for the continent”. -
EU Farm to Fork Strategy
The EU Commission publishes the Farm to Fork Strategy on Sustainable Food COM(2020)381. It includes a rewarded removal of CO2 emissions and the advancement of energy efficiency and is accompanied by an action plan of 27 legislative and non-legislative measures. -
Special UN Envoy on Financing 2030 Agenda
The UN establishes a Special UN Envoy on Financing 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. -
EU Climate Law proposal
The EU Commission proposes a regulation for a European Climate Law COM(2020) 80 as part of the European Green Deal. -
EU Renovation Wave Strategy
The EU Commission presents its Renovation Wave Strategy COM(2020)662 to increase energy and resource efficiency in renovated buildings. The strategy is endorsed by the EU Council in 2021. -
Update of EU Industrial Strategy
The EU Industrial Strategy is updated to support the EU’s transition to a sustainable, resilient and globally competitive economy. -
Roadmap towards EU Zero Pollution Action Plan
The EU Commission presents the roadmap towards the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan for water, soil and air. -
New EU Circular Economy Action Plan
The EU Commission publishes its Communication on A New Circular Economy Action Plan for a Cleaner and More Competitive Europe COM(2020)98. -
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UN Decade of action and delivery for the SDG
The UN initiates the Decade of action and delivery for the SDG to boost and support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. -
EU Climate Law
In its new EU Climate Law Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 the EU pledges to become climate neutral by 2050. The regulation sets a legally binding EU-wide common target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a 55% reduction target by 2030 as compared to 1990 levels. -
Extreme weather events
Various extreme weather events in Gernamy, Greece, Haiti, Italy and the USA -
EU Climate Adaptation Strategy
The EU adopts a new Climate Adaptation Strategy COM/2021/82. -
EU Just Transition Fund
The EU adopts its Just Transition Fund Regulation (EU) 2021/1056. The Fund supports the most affected territories in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. The Fund is part of the Just Transition Mechanism. -
Zero Pollution Action Plan
The EU Commission presents the action plan COM(2021)400 towards the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan for water, soil and air. -
EU Sustainable Blue Economy Plan
The EU Commission presents a new Sustainable Blue Economy Plan COM(2021)240. It outlines how to achieve climate neutrality and zero pollution in ocean policy and the blue economy. -
EU Fit for 55 package
The EU Commission’s Communication of the Fit for 55 package is published. -
EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
The EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability is endorsed by the European Council. -
UN 'Our Common Agenda'
UN Secretary-General presents new report on Our Common Agenda. The report establishes a 25-year trajectory for future action and calls for a new "vision on the future of global cooperation and reinvigorating inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism".