International Climate Change Policy
Framework
TACC Training Module 3
1
Objectives of the Module
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Introduce background, objectives and key provisions
of the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol
Highlight international policy issues of relevance for
sub-national authorities
Examine the role of sub-national authorities in
international climate change policy
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Overview
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Section 1: Introduction to the International Climate
Change Policy Framework
Section 2: Key Provisions of the UNFCCC
Section 3: The Kyoto Protocol
Section 4: Towards a Post 2012 Agreement
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
The Need for a Global Approach to
Address Climate Change
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Climate change is a global problem that requires
global solutions
GHG emission contribute to climate change
irrespective of their origin
Majority of countries will be negatively affected if
no action is taken
Need for a global regime to
 Regulate
global reduction of GHG emissions
 Provide support to developing countries to adapt to
climate change
 Create a sustainable development path in all countries
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
What is the UNFCCC?
United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
 Framework agreement governing
global efforts to combat climate change
 Complemented by a protocol specifying details
(Kyoto Protocol)
 Entered into force in 1994
 Currently has 194 Parties
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193 States
1 regional economic integration organization
Legally binding treaty
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Important Events
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1979: First World Climate Conference (WCC)
1988: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
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1990: IPCC and 2nd WCC call for global treaty on climate change
1992 : Convention adopted at the UN Headquarters, NY
1994 : Convention enters into force
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1997: Adoption of the Kyoto Protocol
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2005: Kyoto Protocol enters into force
2009: COP 15/ CMP 5 in Copenhagen, Denmark
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2010: COP 16/ CMP 6 in Cancun, Mexico
2011: COP 17/ CMP 7 in Durban, South Africa
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2012: COP 18/ CMP 8 in Doha, Qatar
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Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Why is the UNFCCC Important from a
Sub-national Perspective?
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Decisions taken by Member States within UNFCCC
affect all levels of governance
Engagement in UNFCCC process creates sub-national
opportunities to
 Participate
in capacity development projects (e.g. TACC)
 Access multi-lateral and bi-lateral funding
 Benefit from carbon financing schemes
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Opportunities exist to share sub-national
perspectives via
 National
delegations
 Observing associations (e.g. NRG4SD, ICLEI)
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
The Role of Sub-national Authorities in
the UNFCCC Process
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UNFCCC is an international agreement with
autonomous states being members/parties
Sub-national authorities do not participate directly in
the negotiations
Opportunities for indirect participation of subnational authorities include
 Participation
as members of national delegations
 Participation through an observer association
 Participation in official side events
 Informal discussions/lobbying
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Observer Associations Promoting
Sub-national Issues in the UNFCCC
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Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable
Development (NRG4SD)
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ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainable Development
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Represents regional governments at the global level
Promotes the contribution regions make to sustainable
development
Focal point for Local Governments and Municipal Authorities
(LGMA)
Coordinates local government observers during UNFCCC
negotiations
World Mayors Council on Climate Change (WMCCC)
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Alliance of committed local government leaders
Advocates involvement of mayors in multilateral climate and
sustainable development issues
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Green Economy Report (2011)
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Demonstrates that greening of economies is a new
engine of growth - generator of decent jobs, a
vital strategy to eliminate persistent poverty
Motivates policy makers to create enabling
conditions for increased investments in green
economy
Compiled by UNEP’s Green Economy Initiative in
collaboration with economists and experts
worldwide
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Rio+20 “The Future We Want”
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Renewed political pledge to implement Sustainable
Development (SD)
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Ushered Green Economy into mainstream of policy discourse
and Sustainable Development
Started process for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Reaffirmed climate change as one of the greatest challenges
in the SD agenda (e.g. rising global GHG emissions,
persistent drought and extreme weather events, sea level
rise, coastal erosion and ocean acidification, further
threatening food security)
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Rio+20 on Green Economy
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Confirmed green economy as one of the important
tools available for achieving sustainable
development
Resolved to strengthen international cooperation,
provision of financial resources, capacity building
and technology transfer to developing countries
Called for social inclusion as part of Green
Economy
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
UCLG-ORU/FOGAR Rio+20 statement
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Celebrated recognition of all the spheres of governments as
key actors for the different dimensions of development
Welcomed the acknowledgement to reinvigorate the urban
agenda with innovative practices and far reaching
commitments
Regret that outcome document does not: i) reach greater
global commitments to ensure the sustainability of the planet;
ii) recognize culture as the 4th pillar of SD
Call for a multi-level governance for SD and strategies to
achieve the MDGs and SDGs that should include culture,
heritage, creativity and diversity in the post-2015 Agenda.
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Questions and Challenges from a
Sub-national Perspective
Do sub-national authorities have sufficient
information about international climate
change processes and initiatives?
 Are the implications of the UNFCCC for
sub-national action on climate change clear?
 Are sub-national perspective sufficiently considered within
the international policy process?
 How can sub-national authorities best contribute to
international climate change processes?
 Any other questions?
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Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Overview
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Section 1: Introduction to the International Climate
Change Policy Framework
Section 2: Key Provisions of the UNFCCC
Section 3: The Kyoto Protocol
Section 4: Towards a Post 2012 Agreement
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Objectives of the Convention (Article 2)
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“…..to achieve……..stabilization of greenhouse gas
concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that
would prevent dangerous anthropogenic
interference with the climate system…..”
“….within a time frame sufficient to:
 Allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate
change,
 Ensure that food production is not threatened and
 Enable economic development to proceed in a
sustainable manner.”
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Two-Prong Approach under the
Convention
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Mitigation
 Actions
taken to cut net emissions of
greenhouse gases to reduce climate
change
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Source: UNEP
Adaptation
 Actions
taken to help cope with
changing climate conditions and
impacts
Source: UNITAR
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Principles Guiding the Convention
(Article 3)
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Common but differentiated
responsibilities
Precautionary principle
Full consideration for developing
country needs and circumstances
Right to sustainable development
Supportive and open economic system
Source: Fotoila
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Commitments of All Parties (Article 4)
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Develop national inventories of greenhouse gas
emissions
Formulate mitigation and adaptation measures
Cooperate in technology transfer
Promote sustainable development
Take into account climate change considerations into
development planning
Promote and cooperate in research
Cooperate in information exchange
Promote and cooperate in education, training and
public awareness
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Groups of Parties with Different
Responsibilities
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Annex I Parties
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Annex II Parties
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Group of 40 industrialized countries and countries with
economies in transition
Expected to reduce GHG emissions
Group of 23 developed countries (subset of Annex 1 countries)
Expected to pay for costs in developing countries
Non-Annex I Parties
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Least Developed Countries (Article 4.9)
Developing countries particularly vulnerable to
 Adverse effects of climate change (Article 4.8)
 Response measures (Article 4.10)
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Obligation of Annex 1 Parties
(Industrialized and EIT Parties)
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Annex 1 Parties include
 Industrialized
countries members of the OECD in 1992
 Countries with economies in transition (EIT Parties)
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Expected to take the lead in modifying trends in
GHG emissions (Article 4.2(a))
Adopt policies and measures to return national
GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2000 (Article
4.2(b))
Submit regular national communications on policies
and measures (Article 4.2(b))
Submit an annual inventory of GHG emissions
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Obligations of Annex 2 Parties
(OECD Countries Providing Financing)
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Annex 2 Parties include OECD members within the
Annex I group
Responsibility to provide additional financial
resources to developing countries (Article 4.3)
Assist particularly vulnerable developing countries
to meet costs of adaptation (Article 4.4)
Facilitate the transfer of climate-friendly
technologies (Article 4.5)
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Obligations of Non Annex 1 Countries
(Developing Countries)
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Non Annex 1 countries include mainly developing countries
Sub-groups includes:
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General commitment specified in Article 4, taking into
account:
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Countries especially vulnerable to climate change
Least developed countries (LDCs)
Common but differentiated responsibilities
Development priorities
Non quantitative emission reduction requirements
Must report in general terms on action to:
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Address climate change
Adapt to the effects of climate change
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Important Bodies under the Convention
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The Conference of the Parties (COP)
Subsidiary Bodies
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Expert Groups
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Subsidiary Body on Scientific and Technological Advice
(SBTSA)
Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI)
Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) on National
Communication
Least Developed Country Expert Group
Expert Group on Technology Transfer
Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action
under the Convention (AWG LCA) established in 2007
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Subsidiary Body on Scientific and
Technological Advice (SBTSA)
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Provides advice on scientific and technological
matters
Comprised of government representatives competent
in the relevant field of expertise
Develops guidelines for national communications and
emission inventories
Meets at least twice a year with last sessions of the
year held in conjunction with COP
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI)
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Assists in assessing and reviewing
implementation of the UNCCC
Deals with financial and
administrative matters
SBI sessions held at the same time
as SBSTA sessions
Source: UNITAR
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Partner Agencies of the UNFCCC
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Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
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Jointly hosted by WMO and UNEP
First IPCC report served as the basis for negotiating the
Convention
Provides important scientific, technical and socio-economic analysis
Relationship considered model for interaction between science and
decision makers
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
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Entrusted by COP as the financial mechanism under the Convention
MOA developed between COP and GEF
COP provides regular guidance policies, programme priorities
and eligibility criteria for funding
GEF reports annually to the Conference of Parties
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
National Focal Points under the UNFCCC
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UNFCCC National Focal Point
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Focal Points for Article 6 (Education, Training, Awareness Raising)
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First point of contact within the government for communications
regarding the UNFCCC
http://maindb.unfccc.int/public/nfp.pl
Responsibilities include
 Identification of areas for international cooperation
 Strengthening synergies with other conventions
 Coordinating reporting on Article 6 chapter in national
communications
http://unfccc.int/cc_inet/information_pool/items/3888.php
Designated National Authorities for Clean Development
Mechanism (Kyoto Protocol)
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
National Communications
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National communications document implementation status in
individual countries
Annex 1 and Annex 2 Parties must submit regular reports to
COP
Non-Annex 2 countries have reporting flexibility
Support for Non-Annex 2 countries available to prepare
National Communications
National communication often coordinated by national
UNFCCC Focal Point
National communications available at
http://unfccc.int/national_reports/items/1408.php
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
UNFCCC Capacity Development Framework
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Adopted in 2001 in Marrakech to foster a strategic
approach to capacity development
Desired features of capacity building
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Country-driven
Address the needs and conditions of developing countries
Reflect national sustainable development strategies, priorities
and initiatives
Continuous, progressive and iterative process
Undertaken in a programmatic manner
2nd comprehensive review initiated in 2009 distinguishes
between
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Enabling capacity
Organizational capacity
Individual capacity
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Overview
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Section 1: Introduction to the International Climate
Change Policy Framework
Section 2: Key Provisions of the UNFCCC
Section 3: The Kyoto Protocol
Section 4: Towards a Post 2012 Agreement
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
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Supplements and strengthens the Convention
Provides detailed targets and timelines for GHG
emission reductions
Adopted at the COP 3 in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997
84 countries had signed the protocol by March 1999
Entered into force in February 2005
Currently, 190 Parties
 189
States
 1 regional economic integration organization
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First commitment period will expire in 2012
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Relevance of the Kyoto Protocol at the
Sub-national Level
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Focuses on reduction of GHG emissions in
developed countries
Also provides opportunities for sub-national
authorities in developing countries
 Clean
Development Mechanism can support mitigation
projects
 Kyoto Adaptation Funds can support adaptation action
 Emission trading may be of interest for sub-national
territories with high GHG emissions
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Annex A: Regulated Greenhouse Gases
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Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Methane (CH4)
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
Source: Flickr
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Limitation/Reduction of Emissions in Six
Key Categories (Annex A +)
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Energy
Industrial processes
Solvent and other product use
Agriculture
Land use change and forestry
Waste
Source: UNITAR
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Annex B: Mitigation Commitments of
UNFCCC Annex 1 Countries
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Parties included in UNFCCC Annex I shall
individually or jointly:
 Reduce
their emissions by at least 5 % below 1990
levels by the 2008 to 2012 period
 Ensure their amount of CO2 equivalent emissions do not
exceed assigned amounts (Annex B)
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Each Annex B Party has Assigned Amount Units
(AAUs) for the 2008-2012 commitment period
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Creating Flexibility for Implementation:
The Kyoto Mechanisms
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Three Kyoto Mechanisms create flexibility for emission
reductions
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Basic concept and rationale
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Joint Implementation (Article 6)
Clean Development Mechanism (Article 12)
Emission Trading (Article 17)
Emission reduction can be more cost-effective in some
countries/facilities than others
Creates potential for market exchange and win-win situations
Designed to boost the cost-effectiveness of mitigation
Facilitates compliance of Annex I Parties
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
The Kyoto Protocol Accounting System
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Requirements to estimate emissions
by Parties at the national level
Strict reporting requirements and
review procedures
Compliance Committee determine
cases of non-compliance
Source: IPCC
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Institutions and Bodies under the Protocol
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Conference of Parties serving as Meeting of the
Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP)
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Executive Board
Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee
Compliance Committee
Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for
Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP)
established in 2005
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Overview
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Section 1: Introduction to the International Climate
Change Policy Framework
Section 2: Key Provisions of the UNFCCC
Section 3: The Kyoto Protocol
Section 4: Towards a Post 2012 Agreement
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Bali 2007 Road Map and Action Plan
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Comprehensive process adopted by COP in 2007 to
strengthen the Convention
Pillars of the Bali Action Plan
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A shared vision for long-term cooperative action, including
long-term global goal for emission reductions
Enhanced national/international action on mitigation of
climate change
Enhanced action on adaptation
Enhanced action on technology development and transfer
Enhanced action on the provision of financial resources and
investment
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Bali 2007 Road Map and Action Plan (cont.)
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Establishment of two subsidiary bodies to support the
process
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Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action
(AWG-LCA)
Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I
Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP)
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Local Government Climate Roadmap
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Advocacy to enhance recognition of Local
Government in advance of Copenhagen
Conference
Partnership of ICLEI, UCLG, Metropolis, WMCCC
and C40 Climate Leadership Group
Process started during COP 13 in December 2007
as a two-year advocacy campaign
Advocacy efforts continue in the run-up to COP 18
in Doha in November 2012
www.iclei.org/climate-roadmap
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Key Elements of 2009 Copenhagen
Accord
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Global commitment to keep temperature increase
below 2°C
Principle financial commitments from developed
countries:
 USD
30 billion for period of 2010-2012
 USD 100 billion a year by 2020
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Priority funding for adaptation in most vulnerable
countries (LDC, SIDS, Africa)
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Key Elements of 2010
Cancun Agreements
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Mitigation:
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Industrialized countries will submit detailed annual inventories of
greenhouse gas emissions
Establishment of a registry where developing countries will detail
their voluntary plans to limit greenhouse gas emissions and the
support they need to achieve them
The Kyoto Protocol’s emissions trading and project-based
mechanisms continue to be available to developed countries
Adaptation:
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Establishment of Cancun Adaptation Framework to strengthen
adaptation action in developing countries through international
cooperation
Establishment of an Adaptation Committee providing technical
support and guidance to countries, strengthening knowledgesharing and promoting synergy between stakeholders
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Key Elements of 2010
Cancun Agreements (cont.)
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Finance:
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Technology:
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Formalization of commitment made by developed countries at COP
15 to mobilize USD 100 billion a year by 2020
Increased transparency regarding fast-start finance for developing
countries (USD 30 billion up to 2012)
Establishment of a Green Climate Fund to support projects,
programmes, policies and other activities in developing countries
Establishment of a Technology Mechanism, including a Technology
Executive Committee and a Climate Technology Centre and
Network
Capacity Building:
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Increased capacity-building support (strengthening relevant
institutions, networks and climate change communication, education,
training and public awareness at all levels)
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Key Elements of 2011
Durban Agreements
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New Durban Platform was launched to negotiate the
long-term future of the regime
Kyoto Protocol was extended into the 2nd
commitment period from 2013 for 5 or 8 years
Green Climate Fund launched for amount rising to
USD 100 billion per year by 2020 (decided in
2012 that the fund will be based Songdo, Korea)
Process for GHG reduction targets and climate
treaties to be prepared by 2015 and take effect in
2020 was agreed
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Key Elements of 2011
Durban Agreements (cont.)
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Adaptation Committee was operationalized to help
developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate
change
Technology Mechanism was made “fully
operational” with a decision covering the Technology
Executive Committee, the Climate Technology Centre
and Network (CTCN)
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1
Key Elements of 2012 COP18/CMP8
Road to Doha, Qatar
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4 key tasks to be completed by the December 2012
 Ambition and length of the second commitment period
under the second commitment period of Kyoto Protocol
 Agree on steps required to start a new treaty
negotiation
 Conclude negotiations under the 2007 Bali Action Plan
How to successfully conclude the review of the global 2
degrees goal (limit temperature increase to 2ºC), finance,
technology and adaptation
Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1