The Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was formally adopted in 1992 and entered into force in March 1994. The UNFCCC lays out principles to limit and mitigate adverse impacts on the climate system caused by human activities. One important influencing factor are the greenhouse gas emission, which the UNFCCC regulates and limits. The Convention differentiates between industrialised and developing countries. Industrial countries are required to submit periodic reports on their policies and measures to counteract climate change. Furthermore, they are required to submit detailed data on annual emissions. Developing countries must submit reports on their climate change policies as well, but at greater intervals. The Convention is governed by annual Conferences of the Parties (COP) sometimes also referred to as World Climate Summits.

Conference of the Parties (COP) / UN