What is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and what does it aim to achieve?

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What is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and what does it aim to achieve?

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty that was established in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is a framework for global cooperation to address the issue of climate change.

The main objective of the UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. It aims to achieve this by promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the capacity of countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The UNFCCC sets out general principles and commitments for all participating countries, known as Parties, to follow. It emphasizes the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, recognizing that developed countries have historically contributed more to climate change and therefore have a greater responsibility to take action. It also acknowledges the need to support developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The UNFCCC operates through annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings, where Parties come together to negotiate and make decisions on climate-related issues. The most notable outcome of the UNFCCC is the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, which sets a global framework for efforts to combat climate change beyond 2020.

In summary, the UNFCCC is an international treaty that aims to address climate change by promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and supporting adaptation efforts. It provides a platform for global cooperation and negotiation to achieve a stable climate system and protect the planet for future generations.