International action on climate change

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Progress has made been through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and linked agreements.

The Kyoto Protocol was a first step in developed nations taking responsibility for emission reduction. We have been active in supporting work to secure a legally-binding and ambitious climate deal for the future. 

Doha

The UNFCCC Conference of Parties 18, took place in Doha, Qatar, from 28 November to 8 December 2012. During conference the Environment Minister:

• met contacts from around the world
• agreed a partnership programme with the Government of Lesotho to help them develop their own climate change strategy
• contributed to the UN negotiations as part of the UK delegation
• spoke to the Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development

Visit: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (external link)

We don’t believe that we should wait for an international agreement before taking action. Wales was a leader in the industrial revolution. Now we want Wales to lead the way in reducing carbon emissions and preparing for climate change. We want to show other countries that it is possible to develop a low carbon nation that is prosperous and has a good quality of life.

We have a summary of our Climate Change Strategy for our international partners. This explains the action we are taking here in Wales.

Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development (nrg4SD)

We are an active member of the Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development (nrg4SD). We believe that sub-national governments and regions can help prepare for climate change and deal with its impacts. Through our role as co-chair of nrg4SD, we helped lead successful discussions about this in the Cancun Agreements in 2010.

Visit: nrg4SD (external link)

Wales for Africa

The Wales for Africa programme supports projects that link communities in Wales and Sub Saharan Africa, to help halve global poverty by 2015. Wales and Mbale, Uganda were chosen for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Territorial Approach to Climate change project.

This project is using expertise from Wales to develop an Integrated Territorial Climate Plan for Mbale. This will help to draw in funds so the region can prepare for a changing climate. It will do this by:

• planting shade trees
• giving out fuel efficient stoves
• water management techniques.

The Climate Group

We are an active member of The Climate Group. The Climate Group is an independent, not-for-profit organisation which works internationally with government and business leaders. They work to develop smart policies, technologies and finance needed to cut global greenhouse gas emissions, and move towards a clean industrial revolution.

Visit: The Climate Group (external link)