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The Earth Summit was also attended by a record number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and over 8,000 journalists. The Earth Summit was in effect an attempt by the world community to design a framework and adopt practical steps to achieve global sustainable development. The report contained serious warnings of the growing threat to the Earth's system from environmental degradation, pollution, industrial economic development and world poverty, called on the UN to convene a global conference where these threats, possible solutions might be addressed. However, by far the biggest known emissions trading scheme today is the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, which was introduced across Europe to tackle emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as part of the effort under the UNFCCC to combat the threat of global climate change. However, despite these efforts and increased awareness of environmental issues, contend that the rate of environmental degradation across the world has continued to grow over the last three decades.