apr 1, 1997 - Kyoto Protocol

Description:

This international treaty, named for the Japanese city where it was adopted, committed 41 countries plus the European Union to reducing the emission of dangerous greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. Called by many the most significant environmental treaty in history, its success would be hampered by the fact that three major carbon-emitting nations–China, India and the United States–do not abide by the protocol.