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United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Origin and Important Facts
Origin
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established to address the challenge of global climate change. By the late 20th century, scientists had observed that the Earth’s temperature was rising rapidly due to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. As a result, glaciers began to melt, sea levels started rising, and extreme weather events became more frequent.
To respond to these challenges, the UNFCCC was adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Convention came into force on 21 March 1994. Today, it has more than 190 member countries, known as Parties.
Objectives
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. Its goals include:
Conducting scientific studies on the causes and effects of climate change.
Ensuring cooperation between developed and developing countries.
Providing financial and technological support to mitigate climate change and develop adaptation strategies.
Structure
1. Conference of Parties (COP):
The supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC.
The first meeting (COP-1) was held in 1995 in Berlin, Germany.
COP meets annually to frame global climate policies.
2. Subsidiary Bodies:
SBSTA (Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice): Provides scientific and technical inputs.
SBI (Subsidiary Body for Implementation): Reviews implementation of decisions and policies.
3. Secretariat:
Located in Bonn, Germany.
Handles the administrative functions of the UNFCCC.
Important Facts
1. Kyoto Protocol (1997):
Adopted at COP-3 in Kyoto, Japan.
Set binding emission reduction targets for developed countries.
Based on the principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).”
2. Paris Agreement (2015):
Adopted at COP-21 in Paris.
Goal: Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
All countries are required to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Entered into force in 2016; regarded as the most comprehensive climate agreement so far.
3. Green Climate Fund (GCF):
Established in 2010.
Mobilizes financial resources from developed nations to support developing countries in climate action.
4. Key COP Meetings:
COP-1 (1995, Berlin): Set the foundation for the Kyoto Protocol.
COP-3 (1997, Kyoto): Binding emission reduction commitments.
COP-7 (2001, Marrakesh): “Marrakesh Accords” providing flexible mechanisms.
COP-15 (2009, Copenhagen): Consensus on limiting warming to 2°C.
COP-21 (2015, Paris): Historic Paris Agreement.
COP-26 (2021, Glasgow): Net-zero targets and commitments to phase down coal.
5. India and the UNFCCC:
India has been a member since 1992.
Announced a net-zero emissions target by 2070.
Presented the “Panchamrit” strategy at COP-26 in 2021.
Plays a leading role in initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Conclusion
The UNFCCC has brought the issue of climate change to the forefront of international politics and policymaking. Although challenges remain—such as inadequate finance, unequal distribution of responsibilities between developed and developing countries, and insufficient emission reduction targets—the Convention remains the largest global platform for cooperation. Landmark initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement highlight humanity’s collective effort to confront the climate crisis.
