GC34 Implementation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992I575)

Implementation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 

Follow-up to the UN Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, June 1992.

WHERAS the 33rd General Council (1990) adopted a policy resolution on the problem of climate change (global warming) recognizing it as one of the most serious threats to the well-being of God’s Creation and urging international negotiations to limit the emission of greenhouse gases, and

WHEREAS the United Church has provided leadership in educating people about what they can do to reduce the threat of climate change, in pressing governments to limit their emissions of greenhouse gases, in encouraging churches in other countries to become involved, and in participating in World Council of Churches’ Monitoring Teams during the negotiations for a treaty on climate change, and

WHEREAS the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janiero (June 1992) adopted the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change whose objective is the "stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropocentric interference with the climate system",

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE 34th GENERAL COUNCIL:

1. Express appreciation to the Government of Canada for the leadership it provided in the negotiations of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and encourage it to continue such leadership in the implementation of the Convention domestically and internationally including:

   1. the preparation of specific strategies for reducing Canada’s emissions of greenhouse gases with particular emphasis on improvements in energy conservation, efficiency and the development of safe, renewable, alternative sources,

   2. the support of international structures and mechanisms that will place pressure on all countries to take steps to implement the Convention with particular attention to the role of the United States as a major source of greenhouse gases and the most significant obstacle in the negotiations of the Convention,

   3. the negotiation of international treaties covering specific targets and schedules for reducing greenhouse gas emissions since US opposition prevented the inclusion of such targets in the Convention

       

2. Call upon the Division of Mission in Canada, in conjunction with the Division of World Outreach, to continue its education and advocacy on the issue of climate change through:

   1. the provision of resources to assist United Church congregations and members learn more about climate change and what actions they can take to limit the emission of greenhouse gases,

   2. on-going monitoring of Canada’s implementation of the Climate Change Convention by federal and provincial governments,

   3. dialogue with Canadian corporations (through the ecumenical coalition the Taskforce on the Churches and Corporate Responsibility) about industry’s role in addressing climate change,

   4. contact with churches in other industrialized countries particularly the United States because of its resistance to international regulations (through the National Council of Churches U.S.A.) and Germany because of its leadership in the negotiation of the Convention (through the United Church’s new covenantal relationship with the Evangelical Church of the Union),

   5. contact with other related organizations such as the proposed Consultative Group on Climate Change of the World Council of Churches, coalitions of non—governmental organizations addressing climate change, and the relevant United Nations bodies.