The Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) was formed in 1998 within the Government of Australia as a stand-alone agency within the environment portfolio to provide a whole of government approach to greenhouse matters. It was the world's first government agency dedicated to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, managed Australia's response to climate change, and provided government-sanctioned information to the public. Writer Guy Pearse was employed by the agency as a consultant. Dr David Evans was employed by the office from 1999 to 2005 to conduct carbon accounting and to build models.