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October 21, 2024
A lot of specific language and jargon is used in United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations and related activities. This list of terms, which originated from the UNFCCC’s now-retired glossary with additional entries from the International Institute for Sustainable Development’s (IISD’s) glossary, will help you follow the UNFCCC’s annual Conference of the Parties (COP). Language in this glossary originated from the UNFCCC or IISD as indicated after each definition unless otherwise noted.
Learn more about the key meetings or decisions referenced in the definitions by checking out the UNFCCC’s timeline.
This glossary accompanies EESI’s newsletter, COP Dispatch, published daily during the international climate negotiations. Sign up here!
Last updated October 2024
1.5°C
One of the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement. Specifically, the Paris Agreement parties committed to pursuing efforts to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (Article 2.1.a). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published a Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC and showed that climate impacts increase with every increment of warming. More information available here. (IISD definition)
2°C
One of the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement. Specifically, the Paris Agreement parties committed to holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels (Article 2.1.a). More information available here. (IISD definition)
Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE)
A process aimed at empowering all members of society to engage in climate action. It builds on climate change education and public awareness, training, public participation, public access to information, and international cooperation on these issues. In 2022, parties adopted a 4-year ACE action plan that set out short-term and time-bound activities. The process offers the broader climate community and actors in various sectors an opportunity to discuss strategies for mainstreaming climate action in society. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Adaptation Committee (AC)
The Adaptation Committee was established by the Conference of the Parties as part of the Cancun Agreements to promote the implementation of enhanced action on adaptation in a coherent manner under the UNFCCC. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Adaptation Fund
The Adaptation Fund was established to finance concrete adaptation projects and programs in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable and are parties to the Kyoto Protocol. The fund was set up to be financed with a share of proceeds from clean development mechanism project activities and to receive funds from other sources. It is operated by the Adaptation Fund board. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Agenda item
An agenda item is a distinct matter to be considered at a meeting. Some agenda items are very narrow in focus, while others can encompass many sub-items. (IISD definition)
Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)
An ad hoc coalition of low-lying and island countries. These nations are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and share common positions on climate change. Find the list of member countries here. (UNFCCC definition)
Amendment
A modification by the Conference of the Parties to the text of the UNFCCC. If consensus cannot be reached, an amendment must win three-quarters of the votes of all parties present and casting ballots. (UNFCCC definition)
Annex I Parties
The industrialized countries listed in Annex I to the UNFCCC, which committed to returning their greenhouse-gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000 as per Article 4.2 (a) and (b). They also accepted emissions targets for the period 2008-2012 as per Article 3 and Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol. They include the 24 original OECD members, the European Union, and 14 countries with economies in transition. (Croatia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Slovenia joined Annex 1 at COP3, and the Czech Republic and Slovakia replaced Czechoslovakia.) List of parties to the UNFCCC can be found here. (UNFCCC definition)
Annex II Parties
The countries listed in Annex II to the UNFCCC have a special obligation to provide financial resources and facilitate technology transfer to developing countries. Annex II parties include the 24 original OECD members plus the European Union. List of parties to the UNFCCC can be found here. (UNFCCC definition)
Article 6
The Paris Agreement article that recognizes that some parties choose to pursue voluntary cooperation in the implementation of their nationally determined contributions. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Biennial Transparency Reports (BTR)
A key element of the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework. BTRs include information on national inventory reports, progress toward nationally determined contributions, and financial, technical, and capacity-building support provided/received, among others. Parties are required to submit BTRs every two years, with the first submission due December 31, 2024, except for Small Island Developing States and least developed countries, who may submit BTRs at their discretion. The submitted BTRs will go through a technical expert review process, and a facilitative, multilateral consideration of progress will also be conducted for each party. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Blue Zone
A phrase that refers to the UN-organized conference space in which the negotiations, official side events, and press conferences take place. Only accredited and registered participants can enter this space. (IISD definition)
Brackets
A typographical symbol to indicate parts of a negotiation text that have yet to be agreed on. Square brackets can be put around individual letters, words, sentences, or paragraphs; sometimes an entire decision text is put in square brackets to signal that nothing has yet been agreed. There can be multiple square brackets nested within each other when individual parts of an un-agreed sentence are still up for discussion. There can also be consecutive square brackets within a sentence that signal the various alternatives for an individual word or section of the sentence. (IISD definition)
Bureau
A body responsible for directing the work of the Conference of the Parties. Its 10 members are delegates elected by each of five regional groups. The bureau includes the COP president, six vice presidents, the chairs of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), and a rapporteur. Each of the UNFCCC's subsidiary bodies also has a bureau. (UNFCCC definition)
Business and industry non-governmental organizations (BINGO)
One of nine non-governmental organization constituencies. BINGO represents business and industry perspectives in the UNFCCC proceedings. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Capacity building
In the context of climate change, the process of developing the technical skills and institutional capability in developing countries and economies in transition to enable them to effectively address the causes and results of climate change. (UNFCCC definition)
Carbon market
A popular (but misleading) term for a trading system through which countries may buy or sell units of greenhouse-gas emissions in an effort to meet their national limits on emissions, either under the Kyoto Protocol or under other agreements, such as the one among member states of the European Union. The term comes from the fact that carbon dioxide is the predominant greenhouse gas, and other gases are measured in units called "carbon-dioxide equivalents." (UNFCCC definition)
Certified emission reductions (CER)
A Kyoto Protocol unit equal to 1 metric tonne of CO2 equivalent. CERs are issued for emission reductions from clean development mechanism (CDM) project activities. Two special types of CERs called temporary certified emission reduction (tCERs) and long-term certified emission reductions (lCERs) are issued for emission removals from afforestation and reforestation CDM projects. (UNFCCC definition)
Chair (or Chairman, Chairperson, etc.)
National delegates elected by participating governments to lead the deliberations of the UNFCCC's subsidiary bodies. Different chairs may be elected for other informal groups. The chair is responsible for facilitating progress towards an agreement and serves during the inter-sessional period until the next COP. (UNFCCC definition)
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
A mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol through which developed countries may finance greenhouse-gas emission reduction or removal projects in developing countries, and receive credits for doing so which they may apply towards meeting mandatory limits on their own emissions. (UNFCCC definition)
Clearing house
A service which facilitates and simplifies transactions among multiple parties. (UNFCCC definition)
Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN)
The UNFCCC Technology Mechanism’s “implementation arm.” It provides technical assistance at the request of developing countries and fosters access to information and collaboration among climate technology stakeholders. The CTCN is located in Copenhagen, Denmark, hosted by the UN Environment Programme in collaboration with the UN Industrial Development Organization, and supported by 11 partner institutions with expertise in climate technologies. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC)
A principle that asserts countries’ common responsibility for addressing climate change while at the same time acknowledging different levels of responsibility depending on the extent to which countries have contributed to the problem and their capacity to take action. This is a key principle in the climate change negotiations but is also recognized in other multilateral environmental agreements. (IISD definition)
Common Reporting Format (CRF)
Standardized format for reporting estimates of greenhouse-gas emissions and removals and other relevant information by Annex I Parties. (UNFCCC definition)
Compliance
Fulfillment by countries, businesses, and individuals of emission reduction and reporting commitments under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. (UNFCCC definition)
Conference of the Parties (COP)
The supreme body of the UNFCCC. It currently meets once a year to review the UNFCCC’s progress. The word "conference" is not used here in the sense of "meeting" but rather in that of "association". The "Conference" meets in sessional periods, for example, the "fourth session of the Conference of the Parties." More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP)
The Conference of the Parties (see above) also serves as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. The sessions of the COP and the CMP are held during the same period to reduce costs and improve coordination between the UNFCCC and the protocol. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA)
All states that are parties to the Paris Agreement are represented at the CMA, while states that are not parties participate as observers. The CMA oversees the implementation of the Paris Agreement and takes decisions to promote its effective implementation. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Consensus
The mode through which most decisions are adopted at the UNFCCC. It is up to the presiding officer to determine whether there is consensus. In practice, consensus is understood as broad agreement, but not necessarily unanimous support. Presiding officers may determine there is consensus unless a party registers a formal objection. (IISD definition)
Constituencies
Many non-state actors engage in the UNFCCC process as observers. Over time, they have organized themselves into groups and the UNFCCC has officially recognized nine such constituencies: business and industry NGOs (BINGO), environmental NGOs (ENGO), farmers and agricultural NGOs (Farmers), Indigenous Peoples organizations (IPO), local government and municipal authorities (LGMA), research and independent NGOs (RINGO), trade union NGOs (TUNGO), the women and gender constituency, and children and youth NGOs (YOUNGO). Constituencies have their own focal points that facilitate the exchange of information with the secretariat. Constituencies get to make statements in plenary (usually after statements by party coalitions and individual parties), get special consideration in the allocation of seats in meetings with restricted access, and are invited to intersessional meetings, such as those of constituted bodies. The UNFCCC’s constituency system mirrors the nine major groups identified as stakeholders in the outcome of the Rio+20 Summit. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Consultative Group of Experts (CGE)
The Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from non-Annex I Parties is a panel established to improve the preparation of national communications from developing countries. National communications are an obligation of parties to the UNFCCC. (UNFCCC definition)
Contact group
An open-ended meeting that may be established by the COP, a subsidiary body, or a Committee wherein parties may negotiate before forwarding agreed text to a plenary for formal adoption. Observers generally may attend contact group sessions. (UNFCCC definition)
COP presidency
Typically, the COP presidency is the country that hosts a COP. It is responsible for much of the logistics related to the meeting venue, liaising with governments and other stakeholders to facilitate a successful outcome to the meeting (both ahead and during the COP), chairing much of the negotiations, and ensuring the rules of procedure are upheld. The COP presidency rotates among the five UN regional groups (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Western Europe and Others). Regional groups hold consultations to determine which country from their region will make an offer to host a conference, and the COP ultimately decides whether to accept such hosting offers. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Cover decision
A decision not tied to any specific agenda item that is drafted without a mandate. They can span any sort of issue that parties want to address. (IISD definition)
Declaration
A non-binding political statement made by ministers attending a major meeting. (UNFCCC definition)
Developed country
A term used in the Paris Agreement to recognize countries with more substantial commitments, especially in terms of support. Unlike the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, which featured specific lists (as annexes) to distinguish countries with specific commitments, the Paris Agreement does not specify a definition for or provide a list of countries that would be considered to be “developed.” This leaves much room for interpretation and relies on countries’ self-identification. In practice, only Annex B countries have so far engaged in the Paris Agreement process as developed countries, irrespective of development indicators such as GDP per capita. (IISD definition)
Developing country
A term used in the Paris Agreement to recognize countries with less substantial commitments, especially in terms of support. Unlike the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, which featured specific country lists to distinguish countries with specific commitments, the Paris Agreement does not specify a definition for or provide a list of countries that would be considered “developing.” This leaves much room for interpretation and relies on countries’ self-identification. In practice, non-Annex B countries have so far engaged in the Paris Agreement process as developing countries, irrespective of development indicators such as GDP per capita. (IISD definition)
Documents
Documents fall into different categories. Official documents are available to everyone and feature the logos of the United Nations and the UNFCCC. They carry a reference number, such as FCCC/CP/1998/1. Pre-session documents are available before a meeting, often in all six UN languages. In-session documents are distributed on-site during meetings. Informal documents are often distributed outside the meeting room by observers. (UNFCCC definition)
Draft decision
Decisions are only adopted in plenary. Before that point, they are considered to be “draft” decisions as changes could still be made in plenary. (IISD definition)
Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF)
The Paris Agreement’s reporting framework. Reporting requirements under the ETF are more fine-grained than under the UNFCCC. The transition to reporting under the ETF is therefore challenging, especially for developing countries that lack institutional and monitoring capacity. In recognition of this, the ETF provides flexibility to those developing countries that need it. In 2024, parties to the Paris Agreement have to submit their first biennial transparency reports, which are the cornerstone of the ETF. This will be an important milestone and provide an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Entry into force
The point at which an intergovernmental agreement becomes legally binding—occurring at a pre-stated interval after a pre-stated and required number of ratifications by countries has been achieved. The UNFCCC required 50 ratifications to enter into force. It now enters into force for each new party 90 days after that party ratifies the UNFCCC. (UNFCCC definition)
Environmental Integrity Group (EIG)
A coalition and negotiating alliance consisting of Mexico, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Georgia. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGO)
One of nine non-governmental organization constituencies. ENGO represents environmental advocates' perspectives in the UNFCCC proceedings. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
European Union (E.U.)
As a regional economic integration organization, the E.U. is a party to both the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. However, it does not have a separate vote from its member states. Because the E.U. signed the UNFCCC when it was known as the EEC (European Economic Community), the E.U. retains this name for all formal UNFCCC-related purposes. Find all E.U. members states here. (UNFCCC definition)
Executive Secretary
The head of the UNFCCC secretariat. (IISD definition)
Farmers and agricultural non-governmental organizations (Farmers)
One of nine non-governmental organization constituencies. Farmers represent the agriculture sector’s perspectives in the UNFCCC proceedings. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Financial mechanism
To facilitate the provision of climate finance, the UNFCCC established a financial mechanism to provide funds to developing country parties. The financial mechanism also serves the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. The UNFCCC states that the operation of the financial mechanism can be entrusted to one or more existing international entities. The Global Environment Facility has served as an operating entity of the financial mechanism for many years and at COP17 in 2011, the parties also decided to designate the Green Climate Fund as an operating entity of the financial mechanism. The financial mechanism is accountable to the COP, which decides on its policies, program priorities, and eligibility criteria for funding. (UNFCCC definition)
Focal point
A designated contact person for a specific delegation or issue. (IISD definition)
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
The GEF is an independent financial organization that provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit the global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities. The parties to the UNFCCC assigned operation of the financial mechanism to the GEF on an on-going basis, subject to review every four years. The financial mechanism is accountable to the COP. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)
The GGA was established through Paris Agreement Article 7.1 to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change, with a view to contributing to sustainable development and ensuring an adequate adaptation response in the context of the 2°C/1.5°C temperature goals. To make the GGA more actionable and facilitate monitoring, evaluation, and learning on adaptations, the parties launched a 2-year work program that led to the adoption of the GGA Framework in 2023, which includes thematic and dimensional targets. Building on this, the parties launched another 2-year work program to advance outstanding work on indicators. A challenge in this endeavor is ensuring that the set of indicators adequately captures the targets, is manageable in practice (including in resource-constrained countries), and balances the need to fit varying local contexts with the need to gain a global overview. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Global stocktake (GST)
A process for taking stock of collective progress made in implementing the Paris Agreement and reaching its objectives. The exercise, which combines a technical and a political phase, takes place every five years. The first GST concluded in 2023, and its outcome is intended to inform the next round of nationally determined contributions to be put forward by 2025. The finding is unequivocal: the world is not on track to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and the window for meaningful change is closing. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Green Climate Fund (GCF)
At COP16 in Cancun in 2010, governments established a Green Climate Fund as an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the UNFCCC under Article 11. The GCF supports projects, programs, policies and other activities in developing countries. The fund will be governed by the GCF board. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Green Zone
A phrase that refers to the conference space managed by the host country (as opposed to the blue zone managed by the UNFCCC secretariat), which serves as a platform to engage with civil society and the private sector. (IISD definition)
Group of 77 (G-77) and China
A large negotiating alliance of developing countries that focuses on numerous international topics, including climate change. The G-77 was founded in 1967 under the auspices of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. It seeks to harmonize the negotiating positions of its 131 member states. (UNFCCC definition)
Head of Delegation (HoD)
The person that leads a delegation. When progress is slow or stalled at the technical level, the presidency typically ends up convening individual meetings at the HoD level to try to reach an agreement. (IISD definition)
High-level Climate Champions
Each COP presidency appoints a high-level climate champion to spearhead non-state actor engagement in the implementation of the Paris Agreement. At any given time, two high-level champions support the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action. More information available here. (IISD definition)
High-level segment
The part of a meeting during which the heads of state and ministers make statements. (IISD definition)
Implementation
Actions (legislation, regulations, judicial decrees, or other actions) that governments take to translate international accords into domestic law and policy. (UNFCCC definition)
Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs)
A term used in multilateral environmental governance to refer to people and groups who self-identify as Indigenous or members of distinct local communities. There are debates around the conflation of Indigenous Peoples, who have distinct rights, with local communities. (IISD definition)
Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs)
One of nine non-governmental organization constituencies. IPO represents Indigenous peoples perspectives in the UNFCCC proceedings. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Informal consultations
A group established to conduct negotiations on a specific agenda item or sub-item. All parties may attend and unless a party objects, the meetings are also open to observers. Informal consultations are led by two co-facilitators, one from a developing country and one from a developed country. If there is also a contact group convened for the agenda item, the co-facilitators will be the same people who co-chair the contact group discussions. (IISD definition)
Informal contact group
A group of delegates instructed by the presidency or a chair to meet in private to discuss a specific matter in an effort to consolidate different views, reach a compromise, and produce an agreed proposal, often in the form of a written text. (UNFCCC definition)
Intergovernmental organization (IGO)
Intergovernmental organizations (e.g., multilateral development banks and associations of countries) can have observer status to the UNFCCC. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization and the UN Environment Programme, the IPCC surveys worldwide scientific and technical literature and publishes assessment reports that are widely recognized as the most credible existing sources of information on climate change. The IPCC also works on methodologies and responds to specific requests from the UNFCCC's subsidiary bodies. The IPCC is independent of the UNFCCC. (UNFCCC definition)
JUSSCANNZ
An acronym representing non-E.U. industrialized countries that occasionally meet to discuss various issues related to climate change. The members are Japan, the United States, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Norway, and New Zealand. Iceland, Mexico, and the Republic of Korea may also attend JUSSCANNZ meetings. (UNFCCC definition)
Kyoto Protocol
An international agreement standing on its own, and requiring separate ratification by governments, but linked to the UNFCCC. The Kyoto Protocol, among other things, set binding targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by industrialized countries. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF)
A greenhouse gas inventory sector that covers emissions and removals of greenhouse gases resulting from direct human-induced land use, land-use change and forestry activities. (UNFCCC definition)
Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
The world's poorest countries. The criteria currently used by the Economic and Social Council for designation as an LDC include low income, human resource weakness, and economic vulnerability. Currently 48 countries have been designated by the UN General Assembly as LDCs. (UNFCCC definition)
Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG)
A panel of 13 experts who provide advice to LDCs on the preparation and implementation of national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs), which are plans for addressing the urgent and immediate needs of those countries to adapt to climate change. (UNFCCC definition)
Least Developed Country Fund (LDCF)
The LDCF is a fund established to assist Least Developed Country parties to carry out the preparation and implementation of national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs). The Global Environment Facility, as the entity that operates the financial mechanism of the UNFCCC, has been entrusted to operate this fund. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Lima Work Programme on Gender
The Lima Work Programme on Gender is UNFCCC’s workstream on matters related to gender. It was complemented in 2017 by the adoption of the first gender action plan, which defined activities to advance women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in the UNFCCC and promote gender-responsive climate policy and the mainstreaming of a gender perspective in implementing the UNFCCC. In 2019, the parties adopted the five-year Enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender and its gender action plan, which will be reviewed in 2024. While there has been progress on gender-related issues, gaps remain. Only 50% of nationally determined contributions include gender-related adaptation actions. On average, women occupied 38% of constituted body positions in 2023. At COP27, women represented 37% of party delegates and 29% of heads and deputy heads of delegation. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Local government and municipal authorities (LGMA)
One of nine non-governmental organization constituencies. LGMA represents city and regional perspectives in the UNFCCC proceedings. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Loss and damage
Climate change impacts that are not or cannot be avoided through mitigation and adaptation. Within the UNFCCC, there are a number of workstreams and constituted bodies that address matters related to loss and damage, including the Warsaw International Mechanism, Santiago Network, and a dedicated fund. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Mandated events
Events such as workshops and high-level roundtables that were mandated by previous decisions. (IISD definition)
Market-based mechanisms
Approach whereby emission rights or certified emission reductions are traded between countries or other types of actors. Examples include emission trading systems, the Joint Implementation mechanism and the Clean Development Mechanism established under the Kyoto Protocol, and the mechanisms established under the Paris Agreement’s articles 6.2 and 6.4. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action
Framework that supports non-state actor engagement in the implementation of the Paris Agreement. A key objective is to ensure greater accountability of voluntary initiatives. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Means of implementation
Phrase that refers to finance, technology transfer, and capacity building. (IISD definition)
Measurable, reportable and verifiable (MRV)
A process and concept that potentially supports greater transparency in tracking and verifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and GHG emission reduction efforts. (UNFCCC definition)
Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, an international agreement adopted in Montreal in 1987 to protect the ozone layer, a section of the Earth’s stratosphere that protects life from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. (UNFCCC definition)
National adaptation plans (NAPs)
The national adaptation plan (NAP) process was established under the Cancun Adaptation Framework. It enables parties to formulate and implement NAPs as a means of identifying medium- and long-term adaptation needs and developing and implementing strategies and programs to address those needs. It is a continuous, progressive, and iterative process that follows a country-driven, gender-sensitive, participatory, and fully transparent approach. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
National adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs)
Documents prepared by least developed countries identifying urgent and immediate needs for adapting to climate change. (UNFCCC definition)
National communication
A document submitted in accordance with the UNFCCC (and the Kyoto Protocol) by which a party informs other parties of activities undertaken to address climate change. (UNFCCC definition)
National delegation
One or more officials empowered to represent and negotiate on behalf of a government. (UNFCCC definition)
Nationally determined contributions (NDCs)
According to Article 4 paragraph 2 of the Paris Agreement, each party shall prepare, communicate, and maintain successive nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that it intends to achieve to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
New collective quantified goal on climate finance (NCQG)
Parties are supposed to define, prior to 2025, a new collective quantified goal on climate finance (NCQG) from a floor of $100 billion per year, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries. An ad hoc work program was convened for that purpose, which builds on technical expert dialogues and high-level ministerial dialogues. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Non-Annex I Parties
Refers to countries that have ratified or acceded to the UNFCCC that are not included in Annex I of the UNFCCC (a list of industrialized countries). The list of parties to the UNFCCC is available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Organizations that are not part of a governmental structure. They include environmental groups, research institutions, business groups, and associations of urban and local governments. Many NGOs attend climate talks as observers. To be accredited to attend meetings under the UNFCCC, NGOs must be non-profit. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Non-Party
A state that has not ratified the UNFCCC but attends meetings as an observer. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Observers
Agencies, non-governmental organizations, and governments not parties to the UNFCCC that are permitted to attend, but not vote, at meetings of the COP, the CMP, the CMA, and the subsidiary bodies. Observers may include the United Nations and its specialized agencies; other intergovernmental organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency; and accredited non-governmental organizations. More information here. (UNFCCC definition)
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
The OECD is a unique forum where the governments of 37 democracies with market-based economies collaborate to develop policy standards to promote sustainable economic growth. (U.S. Department of State definition)
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
A group of 13 petroleum-exporting countries including Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. (OPEC website definition)
Package
Set of issues on which a decision has to be taken as a whole. Parties often strategically link agreement on one agenda item or issue to agreement on another as a way to push for certain trade-offs. (IISD definition)
Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement is a legally-binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 196 parties at COP21 in Paris on December 12, 2015, and entered into force on November 4, 2016. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Party
A state (or regional economic integration organization such as the European Union) that agrees to be bound by a treaty and for which the treaty has entered into force. More information here. (UNFCCC definition)
Party-driven
The state of being led or shaped by treaty parties. The UNFCCC is a party-driven process, which means parties—rather than the presidency, UNFCCC secretariat, or other officials such as contact group co-chairs—drive the process and determine the outcome of the negotiations. (IISD definition)
Pavilion
Dedicated space rented by individual delegations during COP meetings to host displays, events, and meetings. Typically, pavilions are adjacent to each other, forming a relatively continuous space in the venue. (IISD definition)
Plenary
A formal meeting of the entire COP, CMP, CMA, or one of the subsidiary bodies. Formal decisions or conclusions may only be taken during plenary sessions. (UNFCCC definition)
Pre-COP
Short meeting that provides a space for countries to exchange views ahead of the annual COP meeting. The pre-COP usually takes place about four weeks before the COP. Oftentimes, the pre-COP does not take place in the COP’s host country, but rather in another country in the host region. (IISD definition)
Presidency consultations
During the second week of a COP, the presidency usually launches more political-level discussions to make progress on thorny issues. The presidency can decide to conduct consultations with negotiating coalitions or appoint ministers, one from a developing country and one from a developed country, to co-facilitate consultations on its behalf. (IISD definition)
President
The official of a member government elected by the parties to preside over the COP, the CMP, and the CMA. The President is often a senior official or minister from the state or region hosting the conference. The President may not participate in the negotiations as a representative of their member government during the term of the presidency. (UNFCCC definition)
Protocol
An international agreement linked to an existing convention, but as a separate and additional agreement that must be signed and ratified by the parties to the convention concerned. Protocols typically strengthen a convention by adding new, more detailed commitments. (UNFCCC definition)
Ratification
Formal approval, often by a parliament or other national legislature, of a convention, protocol, or treaty, enabling a country to become a party. Ratification is a separate process that occurs after a country has signed an agreement. The instrument of ratification must be deposited with a "depositary" (in the case of the UNFCCC, the UN Secretary-General) to start the countdown to becoming a party (in the case of the UNFCCC, the countdown is 90 days). (UNFCCC definition)
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD)
REDD+ is a framework created by the UNFCCC COP to guide activities in the forest sector that reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, as well as to guide the sustainable management of forests and the conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Regional groups
Alliances of countries, in most cases sharing the same geographic region, which meet privately to discuss issues and nominate bureau members and other officials for activities under the UNFCCC. The five regional groups are Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Western Europe and Others Group. (UNFCCC definition)
Research and systematic observation
Research and systematic observation is an obligation of parties to the UNFCCC. They are called upon to promote and cooperate in research and systematic observation of the climate system, and to aid developing countries in doing so as well. (UNFCCC definition)
Research and independent non-governmental organizations (RINGO)
One of nine non-governmental organization constituencies. RINGO represents research perspectives in the UNFCCC proceedings. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Response measures
Within climate change negotiations, discussions on response measures address the side effects of climate action, mainly in terms of the negative side effects of mitigation measures. (IISD definition)
Rio Conventions
Three environmental conventions, two of which were adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro: the UNFCCC, and the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), while the third, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), was adopted in 1994. The issues addressed by the three treaties are related—in particular, climate change can have adverse effects on desertification and biodiversity—and through a Joint Liaison Group, the secretariats of the three conventions take steps to coordinate activities to achieve common progress. (UNFCCC definition)
Rule 16
Element of the UNFCCC’s draft rules of procedure that specifies that any item of the agenda of an ordinary session, whose consideration has not been completed at the session, shall be automatically included in the agenda of the next ordinary session, unless otherwise decided by the COP. This means that Rule 16 is applied when delegates cannot reach agreement. Its application is thus a sign of stalemate in the negotiations. (IISD definition)
Secretariat
The office staffed by international civil servants responsible for "servicing" the UNFCCC and ensuring its smooth operation. The secretariat makes arrangements for meetings, compiles and prepares reports, and coordinates with other relevant international bodies. The UNFCCC secretariat, which is based in Bonn, Germany, is institutionally linked to the United Nations. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Side event
Relatively short, issue-specific panel discussion type of event, which can be organized by a variety of organizations, including non-state actors. The UNFCCC secretariat grants organizations slots for side events, free of charge. Due to high demand, not all requests can be accommodated. Some side events also take place in national pavilions, which are not administered by the secretariat. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
SIDS are a distinct group of 38 UN member states and 20 non-UN members/associate members of UN regional commissions that face unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities. (United Nations definition).
Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF)
The SCCF was established to finance projects relating to adaptation; technology transfer and capacity building; energy, transport, industry, agriculture, forestry and waste management; and economic diversification. This fund should complement other funding mechanisms for the implementation of the UNFCCC. The Global Environment Facility, as the entity that operates the financial mechanism of the UNFCCC, has been entrusted to operate this fund. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Standing Committee on Finance (SCF)
Constituted body established in 2010 to improve coherence and coordination in the delivery of climate finance, mobilize financial resources, rationalize the Financial Mechanism, and assist with measuring, reporting, and verifying the support provided to developing countries. Among other things, the SCF prepares draft guidance to the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility. The idea is that this helps speed up the process: instead of starting from scratch and spending valuable face-to-face time collecting views, parties use the draft guidance as a basis for their negotiations. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Stocktaking plenary
During the second week of a COP, the presidency typically convenes such plenaries to provide all delegates an overview of progress made across negotiation items and provide an indication of the next steps in the process. It is a practice that helps deliver transparency and maintain trust. (IISD definition)
Subsidiary body
A committee that assists the COP. Two permanent subsidiary bodies were created by the UNFCCC: the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA). Two major temporary bodies that exist currently are the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP), established at COP11 in Montreal, and the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the UNFCCC (AWG-LCA), established at COP13 in Bali. Additional subsidiary bodies may be established as needed. (UNFCCC definition)
Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI)
The SBI makes recommendations on policy and implementation issues to the COP and, if requested, to other bodies. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA)
The SBSTA serves as a link between information and assessments provided by expert sources (such as the IPCC) and the COP, which focuses on setting policy. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Technology Executive Committee (TEC)
Policy arm of the UNFCCC’s Technology Mechanism. Consists of a group of experts who meet at least twice a year to provide policy recommendations aimed at enhancing climate technology development and transfer. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Technology Mechanism
Established in 2010, the Technology Mechanism’s purpose is to facilitate enhanced action on technology development and transfer to developing countries in support of climate change mitigation and adaptation. It consists of the Technology Executive Committee and the Climate Technology Center and Network. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Technology transfer
A broad set of processes covering the flows of know-how, experience, and equipment for mitigating and adapting to climate change among different stakeholders. (UNFCCC definition)
Trade related non-governmental organizations (TUNGO)
One of nine non-governmental organization constituencies. TUNGO represents trade unions’ perspectives in the UNFCCC proceedings. More information available here.(UNFCCC definition)
Transparency
Refers to the reporting provisions on climate change measures and actions. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Troika
The United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, and Brazil, as the presidencies of the UNFCCC’s COP28, COP29, and COP30, decided to form a troika, or group of three, to facilitate continuity in the negotiations. (IISD definition)
Umbrella group
A loose coalition of non-European Union developed countries formed following the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. Although there is no formal membership list, the group usually includes Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. (UNFCCC definition)
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
One of the sister Rio Conventions to the UNFCCC focused on desertification. (UNFCCC definition)
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The UNFCCC, through which countries coordinate the global response to climate change, was adopted in 1992 and entered into force in 1994. It has 198 parties. The objective of the UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system, whereby such a level should be achieved within a time-frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened, and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner. The governing body of the UNFCCC is its Conference of the Parties (COP, also called the UN Conference on Climate Change), which meets once a year in November or December. More information available here. (IISD definition)
Women and gender non-governmental organizations (women and gender)
One of nine non-governmental organization constituencies. This constituency group represents women and gender perspectives in the UNFCCC proceedings. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
Youth non-governmental organization (YOUNGO)
One of nine non-governmental organization constituencies. YOUNGO represents youth perspectives in the UNFCCC proceedings. More information available here. (UNFCCC definition)
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