The Climate Change Convention, also known as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was adopted in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is an international treaty that aims to address the issue of climate change and establish a global response to the problem.
The main objective of the convention is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. It recognizes that human activities are primarily responsible for the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Key provisions of the convention include:
1. Mitigation: Parties to the convention commit to taking measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by reducing their emissions and enhancing sinks and reservoirs.
2. Adaptation: Parties pledge to develop and implement policies and measures to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and foster resilience to climate impacts.
3. Technology Transfer: The convention promotes the transfer of environmentally-friendly technologies from developed to developing countries to support sustainable development and climate change mitigation.
4. Financing: Developed countries are expected to provide financial resources to developing countries to support their climate change actions. The convention establishes mechanisms for financial assistance and encourages the mobilization of additional funds.
5. Reporting and Monitoring: Parties are required to submit national communications outlining their greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation measures, and other relevant information. This helps in tracking progress and enhancing transparency in climate actions.
The convention has been supplemented by several important protocols and agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015. These subsequent agreements further elaborate on the emission reduction commitments and actions of countries in combating climate change.
The Climate Change Convention, with its subsequent agreements, provides a framework for international cooperation and collaboration to address the global challenge of climate change. It has been ratified by almost all countries in the world and has played a crucial role in shaping climate policies and actions globally.
Climate Change Convention, 1992
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