What's Being Done Globally About Climate Change

Climate change is a global challenge and requires a global solution. Greenhouse gas emissions have the same impact on the atmosphere whether they originate in Washington, London or Beijing. Consequently, action by one country to reduce emissions will do little to slow global warming unless other countries act as well. Ultimately, an effective strategy will require commitments and action by all the major emitting countries.

International Dialogue

The Climate Dialogue at Pocantico was convened by the Pew Center to provide an opportunity for informal discussion among senior policymakers and stakeholders from 15 countries on options for advancing the international climate change effort. The discussions culminated in a report, International Climate Efforts Beyond 2012: Report of the Climate Dialogue at Pocantico, offering options and recommendations for engaging major economies in a strengthened international climate change effort.

International Climate Negotiations

COP 12, COP/MOP 2: Governments meet in Nairobi November 6-17 for the 12th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 2nd Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol.

• UNFCCC
• UNFCCC - The First 10 Years (pdf)
• Pew Center Reports on Previous COPs

Recent Developments

Kyoto Protocol Enters into Force

• More on the Kyoto Protocol

G8 Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development
The first meeting of the Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development launched at the July 2005 G8 Summit in Gleneagles took place November 1 in London.

• More on the Gleneagles Summit

EU Climate Policies

• Pew Center Assessment of EU-ETS
• Ambassador Bruton's letter on EU and the Kyoto Protocol

Additional Resources

Visit the Pew Center's International Policy page.

Consult the Pew Center's International Reports, on the global challenge of climate change including:

• Comparison of Passenger Vehicle Fuel Economy and GHG Emission Standards Around the World
• Climate Data: Insights and Observations
• Climate Data: A Sectoral Perspective