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What is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change?
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is considered the basis under international law for global climate protection. Since a total of 197 parties signed this framework convention, it can be assumed that climate change was perceived as a problem and that states felt obliged to act.
Climate protection was defined as a shared responsibility within the framework of this environmental agreement. Different responsibilities were assigned to the various member states – depending on the capabilities of each state. The developed countries were to take a leading role, while the developing countries could assert their special limitations.
What was the aim of the Framework Convention on Climate Change?
The Framework Convention on Climate Change was established to mitigate global warming. Its goal is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at a safe level for the climate system, rather than allowing them to increase or remain unchanged. This means reducing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. The 197 member states of this Convention have committed to working together to reduce these emissions, aiming to help ecosystems gradually adapt to climate change (Article 2 UNFCCC).
What are the consequences of climate change?
This environmental agreement seeks to lessen the harmful impacts of climate change, including:
- Extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, droughts, and heatwaves
- Flooding
- Significant short-term climate variations
- Loss of biodiversity
- Forest fires
- Degradation of agricultural soils
- Rising sea levels
These types of climate changes can lead to serious economic challenges and difficulties in food production.
What do climate targets mean for procurement law?
Environmental agreements are becoming increasingly significant in public procurement. As part of the movement towards eco-friendly purchasing, reducing greenhouse gas emissions has become a key consideration. For instance, contracting authorities may take CO2 emissions into account when determining the subject matter of a contract, such as in the procurement of buses. Public contract service descriptions may also include requirements for reducing greenhouse gases. Additionally, contracting authorities can require bidders to meet specific environmental standards during the suitability assessment, which can impact CO2 emissions. Climate protection can further be incorporated as an evaluation criterion in tender assessments or as additional conditions for contract execution.
Since the implementation of the “General Administrative Regulation on the Procurement of Climate-Friendly Services” (AVV Klima) in 2022, federal authorities are mandated to prioritize climate-friendly services in their procurement processes. This regulation requires contracting authorities to consider all greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout the entire lifecycle of a product, from manufacturing to operation.
