In 1990, Australia made a commitment to the Vienna Convention to control ozone depleting emissions of chloroflurocarbons. July 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development produces the largest gathering of nations in world history. The Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro results in treaties on climate change and biodiversity and the establishment of a sustainable development commission. The Australian Greens' political party gains increased power at the Federal level with the election of two West Australian Green senators, who together hold the balance of power in the Senate. March 1997 Howard government launch its Australian Oceans policy.
Funding focuses on rebuilding and conserving depleted fish stocks and improving coastal planning.
The Kyoto Protocol produces acknowledgment that the world has to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting its dependency on fossil fuels. However, a treaty allows Australia to increase its greenhouse gas emissions by 8 per cent on 1990 levels. Most other developed nations agreed to an 8 per cent cut. Australia insists its position is unique because it is a big consumer and exporter of fossil fuels. The Australian Democrats propose changes to Australia's environmental laws and policies, including a surcharge on plastic supermarket bags.