1. International Policy Making
Some environmental problems are not restricted by boundaries
E.g. Marine pollution, Desertification, Ozone depletion, Climate change, Genetically Modified Organisms(GMOs), Biodiversity loss
Global environmental problems require international solutions and cooperation
International politics
Multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs)

2. International relations paradox
Neo-realist perspective
Self-governing states operate in an anarchic system
Behaviour is almost exclusively shaped by considerations of power politics
Limited trust amongst nation results in each nation primarily aiming to survive by accumulating more power
Co-operation to protect the global environment is unlikely
Co-operation is possible if all nations share similar goals & gains
This eliminates the “free-ride” perspective
Institutionalist perspectives
Co-operation is possible and balanced when nations see that the benefits of co-operation will outweigh the costs of non co-operation

3. International regimes
1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
1975 Ramsar Convection
1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
1994 UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

4. Development of climate change regime
1979: First World Climate Conference
Agreed that human activities had increased levels of CO2 and that more CO2 may contribute to global warming
1985: The World Climate Programme conference
Agreed that increased CO2 levels would lead to increases in mean temperature and thus was linked to global warming

5. International regimes
1988: Toronto Conference
Recommended a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2005
1988: Formation of the IPCC
Formed by UNEP and the World Meteorological Organisation
First report confirmed that human activities were contributing to climate change and called for immediate policy action to reduce carbon emissions

6. International regimes
1992: Rio Summit
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) signed by over 155 nations (enforced in 1994)
Voluntary goal to decrease carbon to 1990 levels
Lead to be taken by developed countries and to financially and technologically assist developing countries
1995: Conference of Parties to the Framework Convention (COP 1)
Berlin mandate: recognised the need to work towards a protocol that set targets and strengthened commitments to reduce greenhouse emissions

7. International regimes
1997 Kyoto Protocol (COP-3)
Agreed legally binding targets and timetables for developed countries
Developed countries had to reduce greenhouse gases to 5.2% to 1990 levels (between )
2001: Bonn agreement
Japan and Russia were persuaded to sign a binding agreement

8. References
Neil Carter The Politics of the Environment: Ideas, Activism, Policy. 2nd Edition. Cambridge University Press, New York