United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

The Convention on Climate Change sets an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle the challenge posed by climate change. It recognizes that the climate system is a shared resource whose stability can be affected by industrial and other emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The Convention enjoys near universal membership, with 192 countries having ratified.

Under the Convention, governments:

• gather and share information on greenhouse gas emissions, national policies and best practices
• launch national strategies for addressing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to expected impacts, including the provision of financial and technological support to developing countries
• cooperate in preparing for adaptation to the impacts of climate change

The Convention came into force on 21 March 1994.

Milestones, meetings and conferences

• Kyoto 1997
• Bali 2007 - Road Map - At a glance.
• Bangkok March 2008
• Bonn June 2008
• Accra August 2008
• Poznan December 2008
• At the Climate Change Conference in Bali, Parties to the UNFCCC decided to launch formal negotiations on a strengthened international deal on climate change. These negotiations are set to be concluded by the end of 2009 at the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.