Climate Change Secretariat relaunches web site to strengthen the intergovernmental process through enhanced Internet communications

The secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) relaunched its website on 11 October 2004. The site has enhanced features and a new design to better serve those involved in the intergovernmental response to climate change.

"In just a few years, the Internet has become one of the leading means of communication around the world," said the late Joke Waller-Hunter, former UNFCCC Executive Secretary. "To help connect people as they tackle the challenges posed by climate change, we have improved unfccc.int, making information more accessible, while providing better management of the data and information. The new website will make it easier to exchange information and share best practices."

The updated site structure offers macro and micro navigation. Users will find information faster and will always know where they are in the site.  Right hand text boxes offer context-sensitive links to key information and the latest news.

The essential background section provides a comprehensive overview of climate change and the global response to it.  Visitors will find a wealth of background information along with links to official documents and in-depth details.  In particular, this section gives a layperson’s overview of global warming and of the texts of the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol.  A glossary and a set of downloadable guides are also available.  In addition, updated information is given on the ratification status of the Climate Change Convention and its Kyoto Protocol.

The documentation section contains all official documents and other documentation. It provides several easy-to-use search pages that will guide visitors to official documents, decisions, national communications, workshop documentation and webcasts. 

The intergovernmental negotiating process attracts attention from people across the globe, in particular during the two times each year when government delegates gather for official meetings. The meetings area of the site is designed to host special  sub-sites for the sessions of the three main bodies: the Conference of the Parties (COP), the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI).  For the many smaller events, such as workshops, the UNFCCC calendar provides all the details.  The Rio Conventions Calendar, a joint initiative of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and UNFCCC, provides a one-stop shop for information on events of any of the conventions that have relevance to the others.

The cooperation and support section features information on work underway to assist developing counties as well as to promote outreach.  The section covers the status of education, training and public awareness programmes; on support provided to least developed countries; and on capacity building and technology.  Information on the Convention's Financial Mechanism, the Global Environment Facility, is also included.

The adaptation section focuses on how countries can cope with the adverse effects of climate change.   

In the section on national reports, visitors will find information on the reports prepared by Parties to the Convention called "national communications".  These reports take stock of national greenhouse gas emissions and record national steps to reduce emissions as well as other efforts.  Information is provided for those countries listed in Annex I of the Convention as well as for non-Annex I countries. 

Methods and science covers work underway related to methodological and scientific issues such as land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), mitigation, “bunker” fuels from aviation and shipping, and research and systematic observation.

The Kyoto mechanisms section presents information on the Kyoto Protocol, its binding commitments, and on the treaty’s special mechanisms - Joint Implementation, the Clean Development Mechanism and Emissions Trading.

A Parties and observers section provides details on national Parties to the Climate Change Convention, observer states, and the participation of non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations. 

Journalists and  others who want to keep on top of news in the field of climate change will appreciate the press section.  Daily news headlines will keep readers up to date, while journalists will find information about events and access to press releases and information on other news resources.

The secretariat section reviews the role of the UNFCCC secretariat based in Bonn, Germany and its programmes.  Basic information is provided on the structure and functions as well as employment possibilities and upcoming procurement activities.

The 11 October 2004 relaunch of the website was the first in a series of enhancements, including French and Spanish content, as well as improved document management and advanced automation to streamline access to information. 

Those interested in the international climate change debate are invited to explore further and share their reactions. 

The UNFCCC secretariat would like to express its thanks to the government of the United States of America for providing the support that made it possible to relaunch unfccc.int.