```markdown 116 The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty negotiated at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The UNFCCC objective is to "stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. 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 UNFCCC is a parent treaty of the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

The Convention itself does not set binding emission reduction targets. The targets are established in subsequent protocols and agreements. The UNFCCC secretariat supports the work of the Convention by: • Assessing the implementation of the Convention by Parties. • Preparing reports on its work and on the implementation of the Convention. • Assisting Parties in developing national greenhouse gas inventories. • Assisting Parties in the development and implementation of national adaptation programmes and strategies. • Providing technical assistance to developing country Parties. • Promoting and facilitating the exchange of information and best practices. • Coordinating the work of bodies established by the Convention. • Organizing the annual Climate Change Conference (COP).

The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, was the first legally binding instrument to set binding emission reduction targets for developed countries. It was in effect from 2005 to 2020. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. It requires all Parties to set their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions.

The UNFCCC process is a complex and ever-evolving one, with ongoing negotiations and scientific assessments shaping its trajectory. ```