Histroy & Background

History & Background

Concerns over the seriousness of climate change caused by anthropologic greenhouse gasses emission had amplified and UN, in conjunction with World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and International Council for Science (ICSU), held a conference in 1985 to assess the role of man-made greenhouse gasses and their impacts. Since then, series of meetings were conveyed, which leads to the establishment of UNFCCC and subsequent Kyoto Protocol. Brief history of meeting to date are as follows:

Important conferences / treaties regarding climate change are as follows:

Date	Summery
1985.08	There was an International Conference among scientist from more than 50 countries held in Virach, Austria. This is said as the first International Conference regarding Global Warming in the World. [Statement by the UNEP on Villach 1985]
1988.06	International Convention which both politician and scientist from 46 coutries participated and discussed regarding Global Warming was held in Toronto, Canada.. The Conference proposed to reduce quantified CO2 emiddion level of 2005 to 20% less from those level of 1988.
1988.11	Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) had been established by both World Meteological Organization (WMO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
1990.12	United Nations had set Intergoverntial Negotiating Committeee (NIC) with purpose of drafting the Convention for UN Framework Convention for Climate Change. There were 5 sessions between Feb 1991 - May 1992. Reference: [General Assembly - A/RES/45/212 ]
1992.06	United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change had been adopted at INC 5 on May 09, 1992 in New York and openned for signing at United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (or The Earth Summit) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. 155 parties signed Convention at the Conference. The participants adopted Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (Agenda 21) with 27 principles including "States has common but differentiated responsibility (Principle 7) and Precautionary Principle (Principle 15) Reference Site: [Agenda 21]
1995.03	1st Conference of the Parties (COP1) was organized and held under UNFCCC in Berlin, Germany. (continue to COP15 as of the end of 2009) for further information, please refer to UNFCCC.

Progress in Sri Lanka

Date	Summery
1993.11	Signatory to UNFCCC
2000.11	National Communication on Climate Change (Green House Gas inventory for year 1994)
2002.03	Established the Two CDM Centers leading University of Peradeniya and University of Moraruwa
2002.09	Ratified Kyoto Protocol
2003.06	Established DNA in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
2008.04	Transferred DNA to the Climate Change Secretariat of Ministry of Environment
2008.04	Established the Climate Change Secretariat
2008.04	Established the Sri Lanka Carbon Fund
2010.12	Preparation of Second National Communication on Climate Change [Document to be uploaded soon]
Ongoing	Preparation of SARRC Action Plan
Ongoing	Formulation of Climate Change Policy
Ongoing	Formulation of CDM Policy
Ongoing	Research Studies on Climate Change and CDM
Ongoing	Awareness Programmes