UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

Definition

The UN 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, the convention serves as a framework for negotiating specific agreements and protocols to combat climate change and its impacts on the environment, societies, and economies around the world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The UNFCCC entered into force in 1994 and currently has 197 parties, making it one of the most widely adopted international treaties.
2. The main goal of the UNFCCC is to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, promoting sustainable development and equity.
3. Annual Conferences of the Parties (COP) are held under the UNFCCC to assess progress and negotiate new commitments among participating countries.
4. The convention lays the groundwork for subsequent agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, which build on its principles.
5. Developed countries are encouraged to lead in reducing emissions and providing financial resources to support developing nations in their climate actions.

Review Questions

• How does the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change establish a basis for international cooperation on climate issues?
  • The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change establishes a platform for countries to collaborate on climate change mitigation by setting forth common goals and principles for addressing global warming. It emphasizes collective responsibility, with developed nations taking the lead due to their historical emissions. This cooperative framework encourages nations to communicate their strategies, share knowledge, and provide financial resources to assist developing countries in tackling climate change impacts.
• In what ways do agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement expand upon the foundations laid by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change?
  • Agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement expand upon the foundations established by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change by introducing specific commitments and mechanisms for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While the UNFCCC provides a general framework for action, these agreements set binding emission reduction targets for developed countries (Kyoto) and a more flexible approach for all nations to limit temperature rise (Paris). This evolution reflects growing recognition of climate change's urgency and the need for both accountability and collaborative efforts.
• Evaluate the impact of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change on global governance related to environmental issues.
  • The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change has significantly shaped global governance concerning environmental issues by fostering an international dialogue and establishing protocols that address climate change collaboratively. It encourages nations to acknowledge their responsibilities while promoting equitable resource distribution and support for vulnerable countries. The convention's impact can be seen in how it has mobilized financial resources, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives, ultimately influencing national policies and priorities toward sustainable development globally.

Related terms

Kyoto Protocol: A legally binding agreement under the UNFCCC that was adopted in 1997, committing its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions based on agreed targets.

Paris Agreement: An international accord reached in 2015 under the UNFCCC that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change; common examples include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.