International Environment: Current Major Global Treaties. CRS Report for Congress

摘要

Over the past decade, numerous major treaties have been concluded to deal with211u001eglobal environmental concerns. This report very briefly summarizes major global 211u001eenvironmental treaties currently in effect, selected to include those that are 211u001esubjects of frequent interest by Members of Congress. Except where noted in the 211u001edescription (exceptions also noted with an asterisk), the United States has 211u001esigned, ratified, and is a Party to these treaties. In addition to these selected 211u001emajor global treaties, there are a large number of regional and bilateral 211u001eenvironmental treaties and/or agreements; these agreements are not treated in 211u001ethis report, nor are some broader treaties, such as those dealing with Law of the 211u001eSea or Antarctica, that may be environmentally significant, but do not focus 211u001eprimarily on environmental or conservation issues. Parties to major conventions 211u001egenerally meet periodically in 'Conferences of the Parties' (COP), which discuss 211u001eimplementation of these treaties and consider scientific findings related to the 211u001eproblems it addresses; at these meetings additional protocols, annexes, or 211u001eamendments are considered and may be adopted.