| Conferences & Reports | |
| 1970s (& earlier) |
UN Conference on the Human Environment, 1972, Stockholm Discussed environmental degradation and transboundary pollution, began United Nations Environment Programme Vancouver Declaration on Human Settlements, 1976 Recognizes the serious condition of many human settles and recommends strengthening international cooperation, particularly regarding basic needs in developing countries |
| 1980s |
The Brundtland Report (Our Common Future), 1987 Defined sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" |
| 1990s |
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
(UNCED): Earth Summit, Established Agenda 21, established the term "Sustainable Development" Agenda 21, 1992 A global blueprint for sustainable development on national, regional, and local levels that has become the basis for many plans International Conference on Population and Development, 1994, Cairo Discussed relationships between population, sustained economic growth, and sustainable development; affirmed right to education Earth Summit +5, New York, 1997 Reviewed and appraised the implementation of Agenda 21 |
| 2000s |
The World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio
+10), Refocused attention on Rio commitments and Agenda 21. Worked on access to safe water, proper sanitation and clean energy, as well as on reversing ecosystem decline International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources
for Food and Agriculture, Provides for conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and the sharing of derived benefits |
| Treaties / Conventions | |
| 1970s (& earlier) |
Antarctic Treaty, 1959 Ensures, "in the interests of all mankind that Antartica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord." Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 1971, Iran Provides an international framework for the conservation and use of wetlands and their resources; emphasizes wildfowl habitat Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1972, Paris Sets up an international committee to protect historical and natural sites, requires an inventory of endangered world heritage sites. Recognizes that nature and culture are complementary Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), 1973, Washington Enforces international trade in wild animals and plants; establishes global list of endangered species Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, 1979, Geneva Combats acidification on a broad regional basis, brings together research and policy. Has been extended by eight new protocols |
| 1980s |
U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982, Montego Bay (not fully ratified) Develops principles from the 1970 resolution that the sea-bed and ocean floor, beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, are the common heritage of mankind Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer, 1985, Vienna Encourages research and cooperation; set a precedent for early response to environmental problems Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, 1987 Protects the ozone layer by controlling total global emissions of substances that deplete it, particularly chlorofluorocarbons Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, 1989 Basel Encourages disposal of hazardous wastes within country of origin; provides for waste reduction and disposal |
| 1990s |
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1992, New York Recognizes that global warming is a problem and sets an objective of stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions, requires regular inventoies of such emissions, and places heaviest burden on industrialized countries Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992, Rio de Janeiro Regulates the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, the equitable sharing of genetic resource benefits, and appropriate transfer of relevant technologies Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change, 1997, Kyoto (entered into force 2004 but never ratified by US) Sets targets on greenhouse gas emissions. See CSA's Global Warming and the Kyoto Protocol |
| 2000s |
Cartegena Biosafety Protocol, 2000 (implemented 2003) Ensures protection in the transfer and use of living modified organisms that may have adverse effects on conservation and biological diversity, and on human health Doha Declaration, 2001 Links international trade, development, and the environment within the context of the World Trade Organization |
| Organizations | |
| 1970s (& earlier) |
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), 1960 Provides for global cooperation in the study of the ocean. Coordinates national programs and knowledge sharing United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 1973, Nairobi, Kenya Provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment; coordinates information and programs United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, 1978 Ameliorates problems stemming from urban growth, especially in the developing world; promotes sustainable development GEMS/Water Programme, 1977 Provides data and information on inland water quality |
| 1980s |
World Commission on Environment and Development
(WCED), Promoted sustainable development; developed Brundtland Report Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Assesses information relevant to understanding the scientific basis of risk of human-induced climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation |
| 1990s |
Global Environment Facility (GEF), 1991 Helps developing countries fund environmental programs Commission on Sustainable Development, 1992 Ensures effective follow-up of UNCED; monitors and reports on implementation of the Earth Summit agreements Committee on Trade and Environment, 1994 The part of the World Trade Organization that concerns itself with environmental issues, including ruling on trade disputes over the environment |
| 2000s |
Pew Oceans Commission, 2000 Assessed policies on marine resources and the array of problems facing oceans |