Industrialised nations are given most of the responsibility for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and for funding efforts in less industrialised nations. This is because they have been – and continue to be – the source of most greenhouse gas emissions. The Convention enjoys near universal membership - 192 countries have ratified it.
Aims
Under the Convention, governments are expected to:
- Share information
About emissions levels, national policies and best practices - Reduce emissions
Developing national strategies, including support for developing countries - Prepare for climate change
Governments should co-operate to deal with the impacts of climate change
Background
The Convention was heavily influenced by the findings of the first IPCC Assessment Report of 1990.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was opened for signature in the Rio de Janeiro Summit in 1992 and entered into force in 1994.
The Convention is a "framework" document, and can be amended or augmented over time. The first addition to the treaty, the Kyoto Protocol, was adopted in 1997.
Vist the UNFCCC website for latest news.