March 21

In the lead-up to the inaugural Earth Day on April 22, 1970, Mayor Joseph Alioto formally proclaimed the importance of environmental stewardship. His declaration recognized the rising concerns over pollution, conservation, and the health of urban ecosystems. The proclamation called on citizens to participate in cleanup efforts and educational events. San Francisco’s endorsement encouraged municipalities nationwide to adopt similar measures. Alioto’s leadership underscored the growing movement for legislative and societal change. The 1970 Earth Day became a catalyst for the creation of agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It also spurred significant environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act amendments. Alioto’s proclamation is remembered as a milestone in municipal environmental policy.

On March 21, 1994, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) entered into force after ratification by sufficient parties. The treaty established an international framework for addressing long-term climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Signatory nations committed to gathering data, reporting progress, and setting voluntary targets to limit global temperature rise. The UNFCCC laid the groundwork for subsequent agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. It created the Conference of the Parties (COP) as the primary decision-making body to negotiate further commitments. The convention’s entry into force represented a milestone in global environmental cooperation. It continues to guide international efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.