United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

History and Adoption

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted in New York on 9 May 1992. It was opened for signature on 4 June 1992, during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro from June 3-14, 1992. The treaty entered into force on 21 March 1994.

Purpose and Objectives

The UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty aimed at combating "human interference in the climate system." Its primary objective is to achieve the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous anthropogenic interference in the climate system. The Convention also aims to enable economic development to proceed sustainably and ensure that food production is not threatened by climate change.

Signatories and Parties

As of 1992, 154 countries signed the UNFCCC. Today, 197 countries have ratified the Convention, making them parties to the agreement.

Kyoto Protocol

In 1997, governments agreed to incorporate an addition to the treaty known as the Kyoto Protocol, which introduced stronger (and legally binding) measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Kyoto Protocol was implemented from 2005 to 2020 and was amended in Nairobi in 2006. A new protocol was planned for adoption in Copenhagen in 2009 but had to be delayed and moved to Mexico in 2010.

Secretariat

The secretariat of the UNFCCC is established in Bonn, Germany.

Implementation and Future Directions

The UNFCCC calls for continued scientific research, regular meetings, negotiations, and policy agreements designed to allow natural systems to adapt naturally to climate change. The Convention also aims to strengthen global public awareness of climate change issues.