[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[September 8, 1992]
[Page 1509]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 1509]]


Message to the Senate Transmitting the United Nations Framework 
Convention on Climate Change
September 8, 1992

To the Senate of the United States:
    I transmit herewith, for the advice and consent of the Senate to 
ratification, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 
adopted May 9, 1992, by the resumed fifth session of the 
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on 
Climate Change (``Convention''), and signed by me on behalf of the 
United States at the United Nations Conference on Environment and 
Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro on June 12, 1992. The report of 
the Department of State is also enclosed for the information of the 
Senate.
    The Convention, negotiated over a period of nearly 2 years, 
represents a delicate balance of many interests. It embodies a 
comprehensive approach embracing all greenhouse gases, their sources and 
sinks, and promotes action to modify net emissions trends of all 
greenhouse gases not controlled by the 1987 Montreal Protocol on 
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. It supports an action-oriented 
approach to net emissions reduction that takes into account specific 
national circumstances. It provides the basis for assessing the impacts 
and effectiveness of different national responses in light of existing 
scientific and economic information and new developments. The Convention 
encourages cooperative arrangements by providing for joint 
implementation between and among parties under mutually agreed terms.
    The ultimate objective of the Convention is to stabilize greenhouse 
gas concentrations (not emissions) in the atmosphere at a level that 
would prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. In 
accordance with this objective, the Convention calls on all parties to 
prepare national inventories of anthropogenic emissions, implement 
appropriate national and regional programs to mitigate and adapt to 
climate change, promote technology cooperation (including technology 
transfer), promote scientific research and monitoring, and promote and 
cooperate in the full and open exchange of information and in education, 
training, and public awareness programs. In light of such provisions, 
this Convention constitutes a major step in protecting the global 
environment from potential adverse effects of climate change.
    The Convention will enter into force 90 days after the 50th 
instrument of ratification, acceptance, or approval has been deposited. 
Ratification by the United States is necessary for the effective 
implementation of the Convention. Early ratification by the United 
States is likely to encourage similar action by other countries whose 
participation is also essential. It should be noted that the Convention 
does not permit reservations.
    I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration 
to this Convention and give its advice and consent to ratification.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
September 8, 1992.