International directions
The Queensland Government is committed to working with the Australian Government and other states and territories to develop effective climate change responses. Click here for further information.
The Australian Government, through the Department of Climate Change (formerly the Australian Greenhouse Office) and in collaboration with states and territories, leads Australia's domestic response and international role in activities and negotiations on climate change. For further information on the Australian Government's activities, click here.
Globally
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the international body responsible for providing global advice on, and assessing the international community's understanding of, climate change. Australian scientists and researchers continue to make significant contributions to many areas of this work.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the primary policy instrument for facilitating a global response. Australia was among the first countries to ratify the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was developed through the UNFCCC's negotiating processes. Although Australia was a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol, it did not ratify the agreement, but did agree to limit emissions to 108% of 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. On 3 December 2007, Prime Minister Rudd ratified the Kyoto Protocol as the first official act of the new Australian Government at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, 3 - 14 December 2007 . The Conference, hosted by the Government of Indonesia, took place at the Bali International Convention Centre and was attended by more than 10,000 participants, including delegates from over 180 countries. The conference culminated in the adoption of the Bali Roadmap for a future international agreement on climate change, which is essential to reaching a secure climate future.
More information can be found on international activities through the federal Department of Climate Change or via the following links:
- Australia joins new Asia-Pacific partnership on clean development and climate
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
- Kyoto Protocol
Last updated: 28 February 2008