UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

Key Facts

• International Treaty signed in 1992
• Non-legally binding target to stabilise developed world greenhouse gas emissions
• Common but differentiated responsibilities for individual countries

The IPCC's first report in 1990 confirmed the basic scientific cause for concern and recommended that countries should negotiate an international treaty to start combating the problem. This emerged as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), signed at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.

• that remaining scientific uncertainties should not be used as a reason for inaction;
• that action should aim to stabilise atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations at safe levels; and
• that action should be based on 'common but differentiated responsibilities' between countries and that industrialised countries should take the lead in tackling the problem.

The Convention established an annual Conference of Parties (COP) to oversee its implementation, and embodied a non-binding initial goal that industrialised countries should return their emissions to 1990 levels as a first step.

For up-to-date news on the Convention and IPCC reports visit the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The current key implementation mechanism under the Convention is the Kyoto Protocol.