United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
 (New York, 9 May 1992)

OBJECTIVES

         The objective of this Convention is to achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a level should be achieved within a timeframe sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened, to avoid adverse health effects and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner. 


KEY PROVISIONS

        In order to achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, States are obliged to develop, periodically update, publish and make available national inventories of anthropogenic emissions and sinks; adopt and implement national and regional measures to mitigate climate change; promote the application of processes that control emissions, including the transfer of technologies; promote sustainable management of sinks and reservoirs of all greenhouse gases; elaborate integrated plans for coastal zone management and cooperate in research and systematic observation of the climate system. 
        Developed country Parties and other specified Parties shall adopt national policies and take corresponding measures on the mitigation of climate change.  These Parties are obliged to communicate detailed information on their policies and measures.  Parties not bound by these provisions may elect to be bound by such provisions by written notification.  
        The Convention also provides for a financial mechanism, which requires developed country Parties and other developed parties to provide financial resources to meet the costs incurred by developing country Parties to adopt necessary measures and to communicate information relating to implementation.  Developed country Parties and other developed Parties shall also promote the transfer of, or access to, environmentally sound technologies and know-how to other Parties.  
        Parties are obliged to support and develop international and intergovernmental programmes aimed at defining, conducting, assessing and financing research, data collection and systematic observation; support international and intergovernmental efforts to strengthen systematic observation and national and technical research capabilities; develop and implement educational and public awareness programmes on climate change; facilitate public awareness and participation; and provide training of scientific, technical and managerial personnel.    


ENTRY INTO FORCE

        The Convention entered into force on 21 March 1994, the ninetieth day after the date of deposit of the fiftieth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.


HOW TO BECOME A PARTY

        The Convention is closed for signature. The Convention is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval by States Members of the United Nations or of any of its specialized agencies or that are Parties to the Statute of the International Court of Justice and by regional economic integration organizations.  It is also open for accession from the day after the date on which the Convention is closed for signature by States Members of the United Nations or of any of its specialized agencies or that are Parties to the Statute of the International Court of Justice and by regional economic integration organizations. 


OPTIONAL AND/OR MANDATORY DECLARATIONS

        Any Party not included in annex I may, in its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, or at any time thereafter, notify the depositary that it intends to be bound by subparagraphs (a) and (b) of article 4(2) relating to the adoption of national policies and the implementation of corresponding measures.  
        When ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding to the Convention, or at any time thereafter, a Party which is not a regional economic integration organization may declare in a written instrument submitted to the depositary that, in respect of any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention, it recognizes as compulsory ipso facto and without special agreement, in relation to any Party accepting the same obligation, submission of the dispute to the International Court of Justice and/or arbitration in accordance with procedure to be adopted by the Conference of the Parties.
        A Party that is a regional economic integration organization may make a declaration with like effect in relation to arbitration.  
        Regional economic integration organizations, in their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, shall declare the extent of their competence with respect to matters governed by the Convention. 


RESERVATIONS

        No reservations may be made to the Convention.


WITHDRAWAL/DENUNCIATION 


        At any time after three years from the date on which the Convention has entered into force for a Party, that Party may withdraw from the Convention by giving written notification to the depositary.  Any such withdrawal shall take effect upon expiry of one year from the date of receipt by the depositary of the notification of withdrawal or on such later date as may be specified in the notification of withdrawal.  


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