Global warming is one of the most serious environmental threats facing the planet. Scientists predict that an increase of the Earth's temperature by just a few degrees will result in drought, rising sea levels, and widespread damage to ecosystems. Global warming is caused by extreme levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The United States is the largest producer of greenhouse gases. However, reducing the threat and likelihood of global warming requires concerted action taken now by both developed and developing nations. In an effort to commit the United States to specific reductions of greenhouse gases in preparation for the United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development (Earth Summit) in June of 1992, Representatives Henry Waxman (D, CA-24) Sherwood Boehlert (R, NY-25) and Dante Fascell (D FL-19) introduced the Global Climate Protection Act. The Act would require the United States to stabilize its carbon dioxide emissions at 1990 levels by the year 2000.

To demonstrate Congressional resolve to cut U.S. emissions, LCV asked Members of Congress to cosponsor the Global Climate Protection Act before the pre-summit negotiations on global warming. Unfortunately, the treaty was watered down at U.S. insistence so that there are no specific timetables for CO2 reductions. All other industrialized nations agreed to specific reductions.

The League included cosponsorship of the Global Climate Protection Act by April 13, 1992 as a pro-environment action. Currently, 146 Members have cosponsored the Act.