STUDY GUIDE
UNFCCC
Agenda
Deliberating on strengthening global climate action
through international frameworks by emphasising on
developed countries’ net zero goals while enhancing
cooperative mechanisms with developing nations and
addressing the existential challenges of Small Island
Developing States caused by rising sea levels and
displacement.
INDEX
Letter from Executive Board 3
Introduction 4
Background Committee Information 4
Committee Structure and ROPs 5
Proceedings and Topics of Discussion 6
Guiding Debate Questions 7
Research Pointers 8
Conclusion 9
Letter from Executive Board
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
at PICT MUN 2025. Our agenda, “Deliberating on strengthening global climate action
through international frameworks by emphasising on developed countries’ net zero
goals while enhancing cooperative mechanisms with developing nations and
addressing the existential challenges of Small Island Developing States caused by rising
sea levels and displacement” calls for urgent yet balanced solutions to the
challenges of climate change.
This background guide is meant to provide you with a
foundation, but it is not exhaustive. To excel in committee, you must dive deeper
research your country’s policies, examine real-world negotiations, and understand the
political, economic, and humanitarian dimensions of climate action.
We encourage you to think critically, prepare thoroughly, and enter committee ready to
debate with both facts and creativity. Remember, the success of this simulation
depends on your research, diplomacy, and willingness to collaborate.
We look forward to engaging discussions and innovative resolutions in committee.
Warm regards,
Shrihari Tiwari (Co chair)
Mehek Singh (Co chair)
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Introduction
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), adopted in 1992 at
the Rio Earth Summit, remains the cornerstone of international cooperation on climate
change. Its primary objective is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that
prevents dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
In recent decades, the urgency of climate action has intensified, with scientific consensus
highlighting that global warming must be limited to 1.5°C above pre- industrial levels to avoid
catastrophic consequences. The Paris Agreement (2015), a legally binding international treaty
under the UNFCCC, set the global direction for net zero by mid-century, yet implementation
gaps remain.
Developed nations, historically the largest emitters, bear the
responsibility of leading mitigation efforts and supporting vulnerable countries through
finance, technology, and capacity-building. At the same time, Small Island Developing States
(SIDS) face existential challenges from rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and displacement,
which make climate action a matter of survival.
Background Committee Information
The UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the
Convention, bringing together 198 Parties (197 countries + the EU). The COP meets annually
to assess implementation, negotiate targets, and review progress.
Key legal frameworks and agreements relevant to this agenda include:
The Kyoto Protocol (1997) – binding emission reduction commitments for developed
nations.
The Paris Agreement (2015) – global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C and achieving net
zero by 2050.
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Glasgow Climate Pact (2021) – acceleration of coal phase-down, finance pledges, and
adaptation targets.
Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan (2022) – established the “Loss and Damage
Fund” for vulnerable nations.
COP28 (Dubai, 2023) – first Global Stocktake under Paris Agreement.
Delegates must familiarize themselves with the principle of Common But Differentiated
Responsibilities (CBDR), which underpins UNFCCC negotiations.
Committee Structure and ROPs
This committee will follow UNFCCC procedures, modeled on multilateral negotiations rather
than parliamentary debate. Delegates are expected to engage in bloc-building, drafting
working papers, and negotiating text to achieve consensus.
Focus areas include:
Transparency frameworks for tracking Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Climate finance (both mitigation and adaptation).
Mechanisms for addressing loss and damage
Pathways for net zero and carbon neutrality.
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Proceedings and Topics of Discussion
The agenda, “Strengthening Global Climate Action Through International Frameworks,” will
cover:
1. Developed Countries’ Net Zero Goals
Evaluating credibility and timelines of pledges.
Ensuring accountability through reporting and peer review.
Potential consequences of greenwashing.
2. Enhancing Cooperative Mechanisms with Developing Nations
Scaling up climate finance (beyond the $100 billion per year pledge).
Technology transfer for renewable energy, carbon capture, and climate-resilient
infrastructure.
Just transition frameworks balancing development and decarbonization
3. Existential Challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Sovereignty and survival in the face of rising seas.
Legal and human rights issues around climate-induced displacement.
Safeguarding cultural and economic sustainability.
Example Ongoing Issues to be Covered
• Tuvalu and Kiribati considering digital sovereignty and climate migration strategies.
• Pacific Island Forum advocacy for stronger global commitments.
• Bangladesh and delta regions at risk from displacement.
• United States, EU, and Japan progress (and gaps) in net zero strategies.• China and India:
balancing development with emissions cuts.
• Loss and Damage Fund operationalization post-COP28.
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Guiding Debate Questions
How can the UNFCCC ensure that countries’ net zero pledges are credible, ambitious,
and transparent?
Should there be a binding accountability mechanism for nations that fail to meet their
climate commitments?
What is the most effective way to scale up climate finance beyond the $100 billion annual
pledge, and should these commitments be legally enforceable?
How should technology transfer and capacity building be prioritized to empower
developing nations without compromising their right to development?
Should climate finance primarily be provided as grants rather than loans to avoid debt
burdens on vulnerable states?
What role can the Loss and Damage Fund play in ensuring justice for nations already
facing irreversible climate impacts?
How should the international community address the threat of climate-induced
displacement and the recognition of climate refugees?
Should Small Island Developing States (SIDS) be granted special legal or territorial
protections under international law if they lose land to rising seas?
How can the UNFCCC safeguard the cultural and economic identities of SIDS in the event
of population displacement?
Should there be a move toward a global carbon pricing framework to harmonize
international mitigation efforts?
How can the Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement be strengthened to close the
ambition gap between pledges and scientific requirements?
Should non-state actors (businesses, civil society, indigenous communities) play a
stronger role in shaping and implementing international climate action?
To what extent should climate change be framed as a security issue, with implications for
sovereignty, migration, and global peace?
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Research Pointers
To prepare effectively for this agenda, delegates are encouraged to go beyond the
background guide and consult primary sources, treaties, and expert reports. Some useful
starting points include:
Key International Frameworks & Treaties
UNFCCC (1992) – Foundational treaty on international climate cooperation.
Kyoto Protocol (1997) – Binding commitments for developed countries.
Paris Agreement (2015) – Net zero targets, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Glasgow Climate Pact (2021) – Coal phase-down, finance pledges.
Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan (2022) – Establishment of the Loss and Damage
Fund.
COP28 Outcomes (2023) – First Global Stocktake under Paris Agreement.
Important Reports
IPCC Assessment Reports (AR6, 2021–23) – Scientific basis for climate policy.
UNEP Emissions Gap Report – Tracks the difference between pledges and actual
pathways.
UNFCCC Biennial Transparency Reports – National updates on emissions and actions.
World Bank & IMF Climate Finance Studies – Insights on funding mechanisms.
Country-Specific Research
Your country’s NDC submission (available on UNFCCC website).
National net zero pledges, renewable energy policies, and climate adaptation plans.
Historical emissions data and role in climate negotiations.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the challenges posed by climate change demand urgent and unified
international action. Strengthening global climate efforts requires developed countries to
uphold ambitiousnet-zero commitments while fostering cooperation with developing
nations. Equally critical is addressing the existential threats faced by Small Island Developing
States due to rising sea levels and displacement. Delegates are encouraged to engage in
constructive debate, propose innovative solutions, and uphold the principles of equity and
sustainability. Through collaboration and commitment, this committee can contribute to
meaningful strategies that advance global climate action and ensure a resilient future for all
nations.
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THINK
DISCUSS
PROSPER