
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
![]() |
people changing the climate? |
3. How can we hinder
|
The goal of the UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at levels that will not cause dangerous climate changes. Moreover, the aim is to stabilize emissions within a time frame that allows ecosystems to adapt to climate change naturally. The steps that are taken to do so must not endanger food production and must also be consistent with sustainable economic development. Today, virtually all members of the United Nations have signed and ratified the UNFCCC. The UNFCCC operates on the principle that the rich, industrialized countries are mostly responsible for the climate changes to date, while the poor, developing countries will mainly suffer the brunt of the impacts. The convention thus states that the industrialized countries must be the first to take action and reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. At present, developing countries are not obligated to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. Industrialized countries, including countries with economies in transition (countries in Eastern and Central Europe and in the former Soviet Union), are required to develop national action plans to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and protect and develop forests and oceans that can absorb greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The aim of the convention is for industrialized countries to assist the developing countries in becoming better prepared to tackle the impacts of climate change. The convention specifically requires industrialized countries to:
Both industrialized and developing countries are required to:
The countries are also required to support an international economic system that will lead to sustainable economic growth and development in all countries, especially developing countries. This will better enable them to solve the problems that are caused by climate change.
|
Back to Basics-section
Author: Camilla Schreiner - CICERO (Center for International Climate and Environmental Research - Oslo) - Norway. Scientific reviewers: Andreas Tjernshaugen - CICERO (Center for International Climate and Environmental Research - Oslo) - Norway - 2004-01-20 and Knut Alfsen - Statistics Norway - Norway - 2003-09-12. Educational reviewer: Nina Arnesen - Marienlyst school in Oslo - Norway - 2004-03-10. Last update: 2004-03-27.
|