WK9 - Freestone - UNFCCC

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Overview

• Established to address climate change and its impact on the environment.

• Encourages actions to ensure human safety amidst high risks and scientific uncertainty.

• Aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

• Key institutions:

  • Conference of the Parties (COP): Makes necessary decisions.

  • Permanent Secretariat: Oversees the Convention's implementation.

  • Subsidiary Bodies:

    • SBSTA: Focuses on scientific and technological advice.

    • SBI: Implements the Convention’s commitments.

Historical Context

Origins and Development

• Climate change recognized as a critical issue over the last 25 years.

• Initial focus on the greenhouse effect began in the 19th century but gained momentum in the 1970s.

• Key milestones include:

  • World Climate Conference (1979): Initiated global discussions on climate.

  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (1988): Established to assess climate change science.

  • UNFCCC adoption (1992): Signed at the Rio Earth Summit, emphasizing cooperation and adaptation.

Instrument Principles and Commitments

Convention Principles

• Precautionary Principle: Taking action despite scientific uncertainty.

• Sustainable Development: Balancing ecological health with economic growth.

• Common but Differentiated Responsibility: Developed countries take the lead on emissions reductions due to higher historical contributions.

Key Articles

• Article 2: Aims for stabilizing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.

• Article 4: Differentiates commitments for developed and developing countries.

• Article 12: Requires Parties to submit reports on emissions and climate actions.

Kyoto Protocol (1997)

Objectives and Mechanisms

• Set binding emission reduction targets for Annex I countries (5.2% reduction from 1990 levels by 2008-2012).

• Introduced flexible mechanisms:

  • Joint Implementation (JI): Project-based emission reductions between Annex I Parties.

  • Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Developed countries finance emissions reduction projects in developing countries.

  • Emissions Trading: Allows Parties to trade emissions allowances.

Subsequent Developments

• Adaptation Funds:

  • Established to assist developing countries with adaptation projects.

• Post-2012 Frameworks:

  • Continued negotiations to address future commitments at subsequent COPs (e.g., Bali Action Plan, Copenhagen Accord).

Recent Trends

• The rise of carbon trading and innovative economic solutions for emissions reductions.

• Green Climate Fund: Established to support developing countries' climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Future Initiatives

• 2015 Paris Agreement aims to unify global response to climate change, adjusting targets as necessary.

• Focus on Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) allows countries to set their own emission reduction goals.