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The key to reducing the risks of climate change is to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases, in addition to preparing to adapt. Reducing emissions requires the cohesive action of the international community, particularly those countries responsible for most of the emissions. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Convention) is the guiding agreement that governs most multilateral negotiations to address the threat of climate change. However, while many commitments to reduce emissions have been made under the Convention, emissions continue to rise, causing greenhouse gases to accumulate in the atmosphere. To meet the latest timetable for developing a new agreement, accepted at the conferences of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), negotiations must rapidly succeed in overcoming entrenched points of view. This paper outlines the scientific, political and historical context of the UNFCCC negotiations.