December 17, 2008
A U.S.-centric Chronology of the International Climate Change Negotiations R40001 - December 1, 2008
Congressional Research Reports
Under the "Bali Action Plan," countries around the globe are endeavoring to reach agreement by the end of 2009 on effective, feasible, and fair actions beyond 2012 to address risks of climate change driven by human-related emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG).
Today's negotiations under the Bali Action Plan focus on four elements:
- mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions;
- adaptation to impacts of climate change;
- financial assistance to low income countries;
- and technology development and transfer.
They also are intended to define a "shared vision" for reducing global GHG emissions by around 2050. For U.S. legislators, important issues include the compatibility of any international agreement with U.S. domestic policies and laws; the adequacy of appropriations, fiscal measures and programs to achieve any commitments under the agreement; and the desirable form of the agreement and related requirements for potential Senate ratification and federal implementing legislation.
Contents
Overview of the International Climate Change Negotiations
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
The Kyoto Protocol
The Bali Action Plan
Legislative Issues
A U.S.-centric Chronology of the International Climate Change Negotiations R40001 - December 1, 2008
