United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty adopted in 1992 aimed at limiting global temperature increases and coping with climate change impacts. With near universal membership, it has developed several associated agreements and processes to achieve its objectives.

Background

Concerns about human-induced climate change began growing among scientists in the 1980s. Calls for an international mechanism to coordinate policies grew, leading to the UN General Assembly adopting a resolution in 1990 to begin formal negotiations. The UNFCCC was adopted 2 years later with the aim of “stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations” to prevent dangerous climate interference.

Core Provisions

The Convention sets out key ambitions, principles, commitments and institutional mechanisms for signatories including:

• The ultimate objective of stabilizing GHG emissions to prevent dangerous climate change
• Principles like equity, “common but differentiated responsibilities” and precautionary measures
• Regular assessment and review of national climate programs
• Meetings (COPs) for building consensus and stronger action
• Public access to information and support through financial and technology transfer

The commitments were non-binding initially, given uncertainties around climate science and policy. Instead, the UNFCCC focused on building cooperative frameworks for future evolving action and agreements.

The Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement

This approach led to stronger associated deals like the 1997 Kyoto Protocol where developed countries agreed to binding emission reductions targets. After its expiry, the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement set enhanced, bottom-up pledges from both developed and developing country parties. Together, this framework now covers over 192 countries with defined national climate plans.

Institutional Structure

The Convention birthed a specialized secretariat based in Bonn, Germany to administer policies and COP meetings annually.

The COP is the supreme decision-making body of the Convention. All States that are Parties to the Convention are represented at the COP, at which they review the implementation of the Convention and any other legal instruments that the COP adopts and take decisions necessary to promote the effective implementation of the Convention, including institutional and administrative arrangements.

Technical panels like the IPCC and consultative groups provide assessment reports and advice. The Global Environment Facility assists developing countries with technical and financial support to deliver climate programs.

Since 2005, the COP conferences have also served as the “Conference of the Parties Serving as the Meeting of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol or CMP.

List of COP / CMP Venues

Achievements and Critiques

The UNFCCC has had notable successes, including:

• Near universal membership and consensus for coordinated climate action
• Mainstreaming climate change as a global priority across societies
• Driving investment into renewable energy and green technologies

However, many criticize the lengthy UN process as inadequate for the pace required to curb emissions. There are also calls for rich nations to meet unfulfilled finance commitments and to recognize loss and damage from climate impacts. Balancing economic growth and emissions cuts remains contentious.