United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• Adopted: 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro; Entered into force: 1994
• Objective: To stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
• Key Features:
○ Recognizes the need for global cooperation to combat climate change.
○ Establishes a framework for negotiating specific international treaties (protocols) that may set binding limits on greenhouse gases.
○ Leads to annual Conferences of the Parties (COP) to assess progress.
• Significance: Foundation for subsequent climate agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
Study Notes
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