United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Definition

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change by stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Established in 1992, it provides a framework for global cooperation, setting the stage for various protocols and agreements that focus on both mitigation of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies to cope with its effects. The convention serves as a foundation for further negotiations and actions taken by countries to combat climate change collectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The UNFCCC was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and has been ratified by 197 countries, making it one of the most widely accepted treaties globally.
2. The convention's ultimate objective is to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, which includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience.
3. Annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings serve as platforms for countries to negotiate progress on climate action under the UNFCCC framework, leading to significant agreements like the Paris Agreement.
4. The UNFCCC distinguishes between developed and developing countries, recognizing that developed nations should take the lead in combating climate change due to their historical contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.
5. The convention also emphasizes the importance of financial and technological support for developing countries to aid in their climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Review Questions

• How does the UNFCCC facilitate international collaboration on climate change mitigation and adaptation?
  • The UNFCCC creates a structured platform where countries can come together to share knowledge, resources, and strategies for addressing climate change. Through annual meetings known as Conferences of the Parties (COP), nations negotiate binding agreements and set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This framework allows for collective action while considering each country's unique circumstances, fostering collaboration in both mitigation efforts and adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable populations from climate impacts.
• Evaluate the role of the UNFCCC in shaping major international climate agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
  • The UNFCCC plays a critical role as the foundational framework for major international climate agreements. The Kyoto Protocol was established as a binding agreement under its auspices, requiring developed nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, the Paris Agreement emerged from UNFCCC negotiations, aiming for more flexible, nationally determined contributions from all countries. Both agreements are significant advancements built upon the objectives of the UNFCCC, demonstrating its effectiveness in driving global climate action.
• Assess how the UNFCCC addresses equity between developed and developing nations in global climate efforts.
  • The UNFCCC acknowledges historical differences in emissions between developed and developing countries, establishing principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. This means that while all countries are encouraged to participate in climate action, developed nations are expected to take greater responsibility due to their larger historical contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. The convention also emphasizes support for developing countries through technology transfer and financial assistance, ensuring that they can effectively engage in both mitigation and adaptation efforts while pursuing sustainable development.

Related terms

Kyoto Protocol: An international agreement established in 1997 under the UNFCCC that commits its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it.

Paris Agreement: A landmark international accord adopted in 2015 that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to restrict the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), which contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change.