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So, you’re excited to attend The GREEN Program, fueled by your passion for sustainable development and your desire to learn more about these vital issues. The actions of individuals like you are essential in tackling global challenges, alongside the collective efforts of communities and nations worldwide. Throughout your journey with us, we encourage you to engage critically with your role in this intricate global puzzle.
To set the stage, let’s dive into a brief overview of international climate change policy and explore how the world is already collaborating to address sustainable development challenges.
Did you know that the first international conference focused on environmental issues took place just 53 years ago? This groundbreaking event, The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, was held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972. Since that pivotal moment, countries around the globe have united to confront critical environmental challenges, including pollution, poverty alleviation, and climate change. As a proud GREENie dedicated to global citizenship, there’s no better time than now to refresh your understanding of sustainable development and discover how the world is mobilizing to tackle the pressing issues of our time.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
In 2000, the United Nations (U.N.) and leaders from around the world established the Millennium Development Agenda, which comprised 8 goals aimed at reducing global poverty by 2015. Progress was made, but when the goals were not achieved, member states met again to develop a new agenda, otherwise known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)! Effective in 2016, these 17 goals expanded to address new topics like climate change, sustainable consumption, and innovation, among many others. Also called Agenda 2030, the SDGs provide guidelines and targets that countries can adopt in alignment with their environmental priorities and challenges in order to solve global problems.
The GREEN Program is committed to advancing the Global Goals by continually developing global education programs abroad centered on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Your journey with us is not just an individual experience; it’s an integral part of a larger mission aimed at fostering a healthier planet and a more sustainable future. Read more information about our role as an SDGs Commitment Partner here.
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. ” – The U.N. Brundtland Report, 1987
How is the world working together to address climate change?
Since the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, countries have convened yearly for “conferences of the parties” (COP) to negotiate and develop international climate change policy. Generally, the policies developed aim to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius (this is the internationally agreed upon benchmark we can reach before we start to incur irreparable damage). Here are a few key events to catch you the progress made at the yearly COP conferences.
1988: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established by the U.N. with the purpose of providing the world with an objective and scientific perspective on climate change and its impacts.
1992: The Rio Earth Summit presents the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where countries can finally sign commitments to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change.
1998: The Kyoto Protocol is adopted at COP 3 as the world’s first treaty to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. 192 member nations sign and ratify the agreement with the exception of Afghanistan, Sudan, and the United States.
2015: The Paris Agreement is signed at COP 21 by over 55 member nations representing over 55% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, The United States, China, and India, three of the world’s largest emissions producers, signed the agreement.
“We have set a course here. The world has come together around an agreement that will empower us to chart a new path for our planet, a smart and responsible path, a sustainable path.”
-Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on the Paris Agreement
What’s next, and how can I get involved?
The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in actualizing the SDGs (our program included!) Whether you’re engaged at a local or international level, there’s plenty of progress to be made. We have a list of recommended resources below if you’re looking to continue your research or take the next step.
To learn more about sustainable development and the SDGs…
-Consider joining the Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s (SDSN) official youth initiative which educates young people about the challenges of sustainable development and creates opportunities for them to use their creativity and knowledge to pioneer innovative solutions for the SDGs.
-Try taking world-renowned economist and Columbia Professor, Jeffrey Sachs’s online course on “The Age of Sustainable Development” to learn about key sustainable development concepts and challenges. (It’s free!)
To learn more about international environmental policy…
-We love this interactive timeline from the U.N., which reviews key international milestones and achievements.
To get involved and stay up to date…
-Follow some of these sources to stay up to date on climate change-related news, and if you’re looking for an organization to get involved with, check out this list!
