The climate change process has evolved rapidly since the Convention was adopted in 1992. The most high profile development has undoubtedly been the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol, with its legally-binding emission targets for industrialized countries. However, progress in implementing the Convention, for example through National Communications and In-Depth Reviews, financial assistance, technology transfer and methodological issues, is also of critical importance to forging an effective response to climate change.

The next milestone is COP 6, where major decisions are expected on the operational details of the Kyoto Protocol, as well as on the implementation of the Convention, with the aim of bringing the Protocol into force as early as possible. Many Parties have indicated a wish to see this occur by 2002. But that will not be the end of the story. Like the Convention, the Protocol will be reviewed on a regular basis and talks on targets for the post-2012 period are due to start no later than 2005. The intergovernmental process on climate change will continue to evolve as scientific knowledge improves and political will increases.