Two subsidiary bodies and a single ultimate aim: the framework convention on climate change

Background

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is the treaty under which countries agreed to work together on limiting the rise in global average temperature and on coping with the effects already on the way. Preventing dangerous human interference with the climate system is stated as the ultimate aim of the Convention. The treaty was opened in 1992 and entered into force on 21 March 1994, and the countries that have ratified it are called Parties to the Convention. Its membership is close to universal. Work under the Convention runs through two standing subsidiary bodies. The Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice handles research, systematic observation and the development and transfer of technologies. The Subsidiary Body for Implementation handles national adaptation programmes of action and the support of adaptation through finance, technology and capacity-building. Negotiated instruments under the Convention include the Cancun Adaptation Framework, which came out of the Bali Action Plan, and the Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation.