Carbopedia

International Climate Change Bodies

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

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, and its 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 adaption to the impacts of climate change.

The Convention entered into force on 21 March 1994.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

From the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change:

The IPCC is a scientific intergovernmental body set up by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Its constituency comprises:

  • The governments: the IPCC is open to all member countries of WMO and UNEP. Governments participate in plenary sessions of the IPCC, where major decisions about the IPCC work programme are taken and reports are accepted adopted and approved. They also participate in the review of IPCC Reports.
  • The scientists: hundreds of scientists all over the world contribute to the work of the IPCC as authors, contributors and reviewers
  • The people: as a United Nations body, the IPCC works towards the promotion of the United Nations human development goals.