History of Climate Change Policies

The history of climate change policies began in the late 20th century, as scientists highlighted the impact of human activities on the climate. The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro produced the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol established binding emission targets for developed countries. This was followed by the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aimed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Countries commit to reducing emissions voluntarily, reflecting a shift toward collaborative, flexible approaches. Today, ongoing negotiations address challenges like equity, finance, and climate adaptation for vulnerable nations.