UNFCCC

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 whose stability can be affected by industrial and other emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.  The Convention enjoys near universal membership, with 189 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 adaptation to the impacts of climate change

The Convention entered into force on 21 March 1994.

COP 12

Twelfth Session of the Conference of the Parties

The "supreme body" of the Convention, that is, its highest decision-making authority. It is an association of all the countries that are Parties to the Convention.

COP/MOP 2

Second Session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol

The Conference of the Parties serves as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP). The COP/MOP meets during the same period as the COP. Parties to the Convention that are not Parties to the Protocol are able to participate in the COP/MOP as observers, but without the right to take decisions. The functions of the COP/MOP relating to the Protocol are similar to those carried out by the COP for the Convention.

SBI 25

Twenty-Fifth Session of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation

The SBI is a permanent subsidiary body established by the Convention. The SBI gives advice to the COP on all matters concerning the implementation of the Convention.

SBSTA 25

Twenty-Fifth Session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice

The SBSTA is a permanent subsidiary body established by the Convention. The SBSTA provides the COP with advice on scientific, technological and methodological matters.

AWG 2

Second session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol

At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2005, Parties to the Kyoto Protocol initiated a process to consider further commitments by Annex I Parties for the period beyond 2012. The resulting decision established an open-ended ad hoc working group of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol to conduct that process and report to the COP/MOP on the status of this process.

The Dialogue

Second workshop under the dialogue on long-term cooperative action to address climate change by enhancing implementation of the Convention

The Conference of the Parties resolved to engage in a dialogue to exchange experiences and analyse strategic approaches for long-term cooperative action to address climate change.