International Climate Change Law and the Role of States: A Review of the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Scott)

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Scott) and examines the critical role of states in addressing global climate challenges. The UNFCCC, as the cornerstone of international climate change law, sets the framework for cooperative global efforts to combat climate change and its adverse impacts. Through its principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities, the Convention highlights the role of both developed and developing nations in taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate. This paper analyzes the evolution of the UNFCCC over the past decades, assessing its effectiveness in fostering international cooperation, the implementation of mitigation and adaptation strategies, and the challenges faced by states in aligning their national policies with global climate goals. The review underscores the need for enhanced international cooperation, greater accountability, and a renewed commitment from states to ensure the achievement of climate targets, particularly in the context of the Paris Agreement and the urgent need to limit global warming. Through this analysis, the paper also reflects on the evolving responsibilities of states in the face of a growing climate crisis and the legal mechanisms in place to hold them accountable for their actions and omissions in the climate change discourse.