Conference of the Parties: Importance and Historical Context for UPSC Preparation

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is dubbed as the “Finance COP.” A key focus is on the New Quantified Climate Goal (NQCG), aimed at enhancing global climate finance mechanisms. The approval of a global carbon market during this summit marks a crucial step in meeting emissions targets and mobilizing climate finance.

Historical Context of Climate Governance

Formation of IPCC (1988)

Established by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Aimed to assess scientific knowledge on climate change and provide potential response strategies.
The publication of the IPCC’s First Report (1990) marked a turning point, leading to calls for a global climate treaty.

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)

Formed in 1990 by the UN General Assembly to draft a global climate treaty.
Resulted in the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Signed at the Rio Earth Summit (1992) and entered into force on March 21, 1994.
Objectives:
- Stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations.
- Establish principles like Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).
Introduced mechanisms for data collection, transparency, and accountability.

Establishment of the Conference of the Parties (COP)

The COP serves as the UNFCCC’s governing body, bringing together 198 Parties annually to assess progress and negotiate further agreements.
First COP held in Berlin, 1995, where the Berlin Mandate called for legally binding commitments for developed nations.

Key Developments in COP History

Kyoto Protocol (1997)

Adopted at COP3 in Kyoto, Japan.

Key Features:

Legally binding emission reduction targets for Annex I countries (developed nations).
Introduced mechanisms like International Emissions Trading, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and Joint Implementation (JI).
Entered into force on February 16, 2005.

Evolution of Climate Negotiations

Focus expanded to areas like adaptation, mitigation, finance, loss and damage, technology transfer, gender equality, and indigenous knowledge systems.

Significance of COP29

Finance and NQCG:
Aims to mobilize resources for climate finance.
The global carbon market could channel investments into sustainable projects.
Global Cooperation:
Reinforces multilateral efforts to address climate change.
India’s Role:
Opportunities for India to highlight its renewable energy leadership and seek equitable financial and technological support.

UPSC Perspective: Key Points to Remember

UNFCCC Principles: CBDR-RC and its significance in climate negotiations.
IPCC and INC Contributions: Role in shaping global climate treaties.
COP and Kyoto Protocol: Importance of emission targets and mechanisms like CDM.
Current Context: Importance of COP29 in advancing finance mechanisms and operationalizing global carbon markets.
India’s Challenges and Opportunities: Balancing developmental priorities with climate commitments.

By understanding the historical evolution of climate governance, aspirants can appreciate the ongoing global negotiations and India’s stance in addressing climate change.

What is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and when was it signed?

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was signed in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, also known as the “Rio Earth Summit“:

When it was signed: The UNFCCC was adopted on May 9, 1992, and opened for signature at the Rio Earth Summit from June 4–14, 1992.

When it entered into force: The UNFCCC entered into force on March 21, 1994, 90 days after the 50th ratification.

Topic: GS-II (International Relations) and GS-III (Environment).