Reflecting on the Past 30 Years of Global Efforts to Address Climate Change

Thirty years ago last month, the text of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted.

This was a significant milestone because it solidified a collective commitment from countries around the world to tackle climate change, together. It was a recognition that climate change was a global problem that required a global solution.

In this episode of It's Possible, we reflect on the past, present and future of global efforts to address climate change.

We sat down with three guests:

• Clover Hogan, Founding Executive Director of Force of Nature
• Ovais Sarmad, Current Deputy Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change
• Richard Kinley, Former Deputy Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change

Together, we look back at 30 years of intergovernmental negotiations on climate change. The conversation is wide-ranging and touches on various topics from what the public understanding of – and concern about – climate change was like in 1992 to the dramatic rise of young people calling for climate action today.

We also talk about where we stand in global efforts to tackle climate change and what needs to happen next to ensure we can limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Listen to the episode below or on your favourite podcast platform. Help us share these stories of climate action on social media using the hashtag #ItsPossible.

We want to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to itspossible@unfccc.int.