Since the first World Climate Conference in 1979, there has been increasing concern about possible disruptive changes to the world's climate system due to human activities.  As a first step on the road to combating climate change, the 1995 Climate Change Convention (glossary) was negotiated and signed by more than 160 countries and ratified by more than 130 countries. 

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) calls for a stabilization of GHG emissions at 1990 levels by the year 2000 for all industrialized countries. Unfortunately, this target was only met by a few countries, and not necessarily due to climate-related policies.  There is still a long way to go before strong and relevant policies and a protocol for further reduction targets will be implemented.  Climate Action Network originated from a common value among NGOs to achieve these necessary changes and continues to actively pursuing this goal.

Established in March 1989, CAN has been actively monitoring and seeking to influence the climate negotiations as well as climate-related policies and measures at the national and international levels.  Our member organizations include noted experts on issues of climate change science and policy. 

CAN is the recognized umbrella NGO in the international negotiations, through which environmental groups work.  Our credibility has been built over years of thoughtful and driving involvement on both the international and national levels.