Climate Negotiations Terminology Guide
Date : 20 July 2026

Understanding the language of climate negotiations is essential for effective participation in the international climate process. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations involve a wide range of technical, legal and policy terms that continue to evolve as new agreements and decisions are adopted.

Developed by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), this comprehensive guide serves as a practical companion for government representatives, negotiators, civil society organisations and other stakeholders participating in the UNFCCC process, including members of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group. It provides clear explanations of the specialised terminology, concepts and expressions commonly used throughout climate negotiations.

This second edition has been extensively updated to reflect developments since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015. It introduces new terminology, emerging concepts and widely used expressions, while incorporating updated examples drawn from recent negotiations and decisions.

The LDC Group on Climate Change is pleased to make this valuable resource available to support negotiators and stakeholders in strengthening their understanding of the UNFCCC process and enhancing informed participation in international climate negotiations.

Resource developed by: International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)

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Greenhouse Gas Inventory Toolkit for Least Developed Countries
Date : 20 July 2026

Accurate greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories are fundamental to effective climate action under the Paris Agreement. They enable countries to understand the sources of their emissions, identify priority sectors for mitigation, and meet international reporting obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

To support these efforts, the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) has developed a practical toolkit designed specifically for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and other developing countries. The toolkit provides decision-makers, technical experts and national inventory compilers with user-friendly guidance on preparing accurate and transparent GHG inventories, taking into account national capacities, constraints and priorities.

Drawing on the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines and relevant UNFCCC decisions, the resource simplifies complex technical requirements into practical steps that can support countries in strengthening their national climate reporting systems.

The LDC Group on Climate Change is pleased to share this valuable resource to support capacity-building and enhance the quality of greenhouse gas inventories across LDCs.

Resource developed by: International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)

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Becoming a UNFCCC Delegate: What you need to know
Date : 05 November 2023

Attending UN climate negotiations for the first time is daunting, especially if it is a Conference of the Parties (COP) session. With so many meetings happening in parallel and using unfamiliar jargon and acronyms, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process is notoriously complex. This toolkit will help new delegates, in particular from the Least Developed Countries, navigate the session. It focuses on the process, rather than the content of negotiations, and offers some practical tips for getting through the days (and nights).

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Championing continuity for graduating LDCs: ensuring a smooth transition for climate adaptation
Date : 04 November 2023

Graduating from least developed country (LDC) status represents a highly symbolic and positive step in a country’s journey towards greater socioeconomic prosperity. However, the resulting fall in international support and loss of LDC benefits also threatens to upend their climate adaptation plans — which are vital for those countries increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The trajectories of countries like Angola and Bhutan, which are set to graduate in the next two years, offer an insight into the complex challenges caused by the loss of LDC benefits. This case study outlines the opportunities and risks faced by graduating LDCs and offers solutions for ensuring a smooth transition in their climate adaptation efforts.

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Regaining momentum: critical negotiations for LDCs at COP28
Date : 02 November 2023

This briefing presents priorities for the least developed countries (LDCs) for COP28 at a critical time. The year has seen record temperatures and stark Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warnings of the risks and consequences of further temperature rises, especially for vulnerable communities. Four LDC concerns can reinvigorate progress towards the Paris Agreement goals: an ambitious conclusion to the Global Stocktake; adoption of a framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation; operationalisation and swift capitalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund; and rebuilding trust on climate finance to enable headway towards the new collective quantified goal. Negotiators must build on recent political momentum and respond with greater urgency to address climate change effectively and protect the most vulnerable. This briefing will be of particular interest to UNFCCC and LDC Group negotiators, the COP28 presidency and other COP participants.

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