United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change facts for kids

The logo of the UNFCCC

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an important international agreement, like a big promise signed by many countries. It was signed on May 9, 1993, and officially started on March 21, 1994. The main goal of this agreement is to slow down how fast the Earth's climate is changing. It also aims to stop climate change from causing harm to people and the planet.

When the UNFCCC was first created in 1992, 154 countries signed it in New York. Today, 197 countries are part of this agreement. These countries meet once a year to talk and decide on plans to fight against global warming and climate change.

What is the UNFCCC?

The UNFCCC is a global agreement that brings countries together to deal with climate change. It sets out a framework for countries to work towards a common goal: stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. This means trying to stop the amount of gases that trap heat from getting too high. The agreement recognizes that climate change is a serious problem that affects everyone.

Why is the UNFCCC Important?

The UNFCCC is important because it is the main international agreement for fighting climate change. It helps countries share ideas and work together. It also encourages richer countries to help poorer countries deal with climate change. This includes providing money and technology to help them reduce their emissions and adapt to the changing climate.

How Does the UNFCCC Work?

The countries that are part of the UNFCCC meet regularly at events called "Conferences of the Parties" (COPs). At these meetings, they discuss how to tackle climate change. They set goals, make plans, and review the progress made by each country.

What are the Goals of the UNFCCC?

The main goals of the UNFCCC are:

• To stop dangerous human activities from changing the climate too much.
• To allow ecosystems (like forests and oceans) to naturally adapt to climate change.
• To make sure that food production is not threatened by climate change.
• To allow economic development to continue in a way that doesn't harm the climate.

Key Agreements Under the UNFCCC

Over the years, the UNFCCC has led to other important agreements. These agreements help countries put the goals of the UNFCCC into action.

The Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol was one of the first big agreements under the UNFCCC. It was adopted in 1997. This protocol set specific targets for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. It was a big step in getting countries to commit to cutting down on pollution.

The Paris Agreement

Another very important agreement is the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015. This agreement aims to keep the global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. It also tries to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). The Paris Agreement is special because it asks all countries, rich and poor, to set their own goals for reducing emissions.

Other Important Groups

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: This group is made up of scientists from all over the world. They study climate change and provide reports to help countries make decisions.

Images for kids

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  A "family photo" organized by Greenpeace, at the entrance to the United Nations, with a banner reading "We Will Move Ahead"

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  Projected global warming in 2100 for a range of emission scenarios

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  Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, UN Campus, Bonn, seat of the secretariat

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  Climate change mitigation scenarios: projected global greenhouse gas emissions, years 2000 to 2100

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  Climate change mitigation scenarios: projected changes in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, years 2000 to 2100

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  Climate change mitigation scenarios: projected global mean temperature, years 2000 to 2100

See also

In Spanish: Convención Marco de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático para niños