The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed in Madrid on October 4, 1991 and entered into force in 1998. The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change.This two volume handbook deals with various aspects of environment ranging from conservation to atmospheric pollution to hazardous substances. Although the programs are very diverse in nature, they share one common thread, the protection of public health as well as the environment. Our Popular Services. International environmental agreements (IEAs) are signed treaties that regulate or manage human impact on the environment in an effort to protect it. What is an international environmental agreement? What goes into signing them, and what is the history of nations adopting these agreements? Driving on a smogfilled street in Los Angeles in 1958. Los Angeles County Transportation Commission. LAWA.