United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

UN Convention

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was agreed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) (Earth Summit) in Rio de Janiero in 1992. The purpose of this international environmental treaty is to address the problem of climate change on a global scale across both the developed and developing world.

As the earth's climate is a resource that we must all share, any climate changes that occur affect all countries across the globe. In recognition of this fact, the UNFCCC provides a framework for governments to unite in addressing the challenge of climate change.

The UNFCCC has established a Greenhouse Gas Inventory to keep track of all GHG emissions and removals. All countries that have ratified the treaty must submit their records on a regular basis.

The treaty entered into force on 21 March, 1994. Currently, there are 197 Parties (196 States and 1 regional economic integration organization) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Under the UNFCCC, governments:

• Collect information on GHG emissions and national policies, and share best practice advice;
• Plan and initiate strategies for tackling GHG emissions;
• Cooperate in planning and preparation for adapting to anticipated impacts of climate change, including provision of  technological and financial support to developing countries.

The UNFCCC aims to reduce GHG emissions to a level that would not disrupt climate patterns. While the Convention itself did not include mandatory GHG reductions for each country, the later additions to the Convention - The Kyoto Protocols and the Paris Agreement - did.