United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international agreement which was adopted in 1992 at the Rio Conference (also known as the Earth Summit) hosted by the United Nations. The UNFCCC objective is to “stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.” The Convention sets out an overall framework for action on climate change, as well as provisions for international cooperation, including transferring of technology to developing countries. It also established the secretariat of the UNFCCC, now known as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Convention has now been ratified by 197 parties.