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Climate change frameworks refer to the various agreements, protocols, and strategies developed by the international community to address the challenges posed by climate change. These frameworks are crucial for coordinating global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and promote sustainable development. Several key climate change frameworks have been established over the years. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the UNFCCC is the foundational international treaty for addressing climate change. It sets out the overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle climate change and establishes the Conference of the Parties (COP) as the supreme decision-making body.
- Kyoto Protocol: An extension of the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 and entered into force in 2005. It introduced legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries, known as Annex I parties, during the first commitment period (2008-2012). The protocol also established flexible mechanisms such as emissions trading and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
- Paris Agreement: Adopted in 2015 at COP21 in Paris, the Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty within the UNFCCC framework. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement includes commitments from both developed and developing countries. It aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Countries submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate action plans.
- Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: While not exclusively focused on climate change, the Sendai Framework, adopted in 2015, is a global blueprint for reducing disaster risk and building resilience. It recognizes the interconnectedness between climate change and disaster risk reduction, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to address both challenges.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015, includes climate action (SDG 13) as one of its goals. The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for addressing various aspects of sustainable development, with climate change as a cross-cutting issue.
These frameworks provide the basis for international cooperation, coordination, and action to combat climate change. They involve negotiations, commitments, and mechanisms to monitor and assess progress in addressing the causes and impacts of climate change on a global scale.
Click here for more information on climate change documents in South Asia.
