Background information

Background information

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty focusing on global warming and possible solutions to tackle increases in temperatures and change of climate. The convention was signed at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and development (known as the “Earth Summit”) in Rio de Janeiro. One stimulus for governments to join the convention derived by the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The panel, created in 1988 by the WMO and UNEP, compiles assessment reports and technical papers by reviewing worldwide scientist’s research on climate change.
Click here to download  Climate Change 2007:  Synthesis Report

In 2005 the Kyoto protocol – an international and more legally binding agreement – entered into force.
The protocol’s objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Countries commit to reduce the emissions through national measures and – as an additional means introduced by the Protocol – three market based mechanisms: Emissions trading; The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Join Implementation (JI). The three of them makes what is known as the “carbon market”. This essentially creates a system where countries committed to Kyoto bargain emissions units and credits on the basis of specific criteria. They also include funding of sustainable development projects to reduce emissions or support mitigation process (through reforestation) in vulnerable countries and economies in transitions.  Learn more from the Unfccc website.

Status of ratification of the Kyoto protocol

Adaptation and Mitigation actions have been identified as key building blocks for an effective response to climate change, together with a shared vision, technology cooperation and innovation and  financial resources.
Adaptation refers to the action  necessary to reduce the impact of climate change on livelihoods, health, food security. This implies investments in adaptive capacity, especially for the most vulnerable countries, that strengthen the ability of countries to reduce disaster risk and promote a climate-resilience economy without compromising economic progress and the achievement of development goals.
Mitigation refers to the action of removal of greenhouse gases emissions from the atmosphere by “sinks”. A “sink” refers to forests, vegetation or soils that can reabsorb CO2. As highlighted by the IPCC, protection of forests, clean technologies and improved energy efficiency for all sectors are essential for a cost effective mitigation action.

Gateway to the UN System’s work on climate change

See also: Key issues and Resources