Answer to Question 1
See Table 18-5 for a summary of international meetings that have occurred since 1992 . The greatest roadblock to international agreement has been the controversy between those countries that have produced the most carbon dioxide emissions historically (developed countries) and those that are currently beginning to release more emissions than ever (developing countries). Equity is a great concern, with developing countries pointing the finger at developed countries, expecting them to shoulder the greatest responsibility in greenhouse gas reduction.
Answer to Question 2
Higher temperatures, rising sea levels, heat waves, droughts, intense precipitation events, shifts in seasons, melting ice sheets, and Arctic thawingthese are happening right now, even as greenhouse gas emissions are continuing to rise. Recent developments, like rise in sea level that threatens island nations and other low-lying areas, increase the urgency to enact a lasting change. Soon we will have emigrants fleeing their countries because of climate change.