International

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted at the “Rio Earth Summit” in 1992 in order to limit global warming and reduce its consequences.

Besides their commitment to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, the parties to the UNFCCC are also required to adopt measures to minimise the negative effects of climate change (adaptation). Furthermore, the countries listed in Annex II to the Convention must ‘assist the developing country Parties that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in meeting costs of adaptation to those adverse effects.’

Many important steps have been taken in the development of the adaptation regime under the UNFCCC. The key milestones are indicated below: