As the world continues to grapple with the existential threat of climate change, most of us are familiar with the Paris Agreement, signed in 2015 by nearly 200 countries. We’ve heard about the Kyoto Protocol, the Montreal Protocol, and even the Copenhagen Accord. But there’s a lesser-known side to international agreements on climate change – the ones that might just hold the key to resolving this crisis.
Learn more: "Powering the Future: The Rise of Renewable Energy Policies Around the World"
Let’s start with a surprising fact: the world’s first international climate agreement was signed in 1992, not 2015. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was a groundbreaking treaty that aimed to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Sounds familiar, right? But the UNFCCC has been quietly working behind the scenes to develop and implement climate policies for nearly three decades.
One of the most significant agreements under the UNFCCC umbrella is the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Established in 2001, the CDM allows developed countries to invest in emission-reducing projects in developing countries, which can then sell certified emission reductions (CERs) on the international carbon market. Sounds like a win-win, right? But the CDM has been plagued by controversy, with some critics arguing that it has failed to deliver on its promises, while others see it as a crucial tool for promoting sustainable development.
Learn more: "Riding the Wind: How Renewable Energy is Taking Off"
Another international agreement that’s often overlooked is the United Nations Agreement on Climate Change, adopted in 1988. This agreement recognized the potential for climate change to have devastating impacts on ecosystems, human health, and the economy. It also established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which has become a trusted source of climate science and policy guidance.
But what about the agreements that aren’t getting the attention they deserve? Take the Lima-Paris Action Agenda (LPAA), launched in 2014. This initiative brings together governments, businesses, and civil society to accelerate climate action and support the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The LPAA has mobilized over $10 billion in climate finance and has helped to establish over 200 climate-related initiatives worldwide.
And then there’s the one that’s getting attention, but not enough: the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Established in 1991, the GEF is an international partnership that provides grants and loans to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries. The GEF has been instrumental in promoting sustainable land use, reducing deforestation, and protecting biodiversity.
So, what can we learn from these often-overlooked climate agreements? Firstly, that international cooperation on climate change has been ongoing for decades, not just years. Secondly, that there are many more agreements out there than we think, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. And thirdly, that the key to addressing climate change lies not just in grand global agreements, but in the countless, often unsung efforts of governments, businesses, and civil society working together to create a more sustainable future.
As the world looks to the future, it’s time to give these agreements the recognition they deserve. By understanding their history, their impact, and their potential, we can build a more effective, equitable, and sustainable response to the climate crisis.
