Total cumulative greenhouse gas emissions

The principle of common, but differentiated responsibilities was introduced in 1992 in the UNFCCC adopted at the Rio Earth summit, which while recognising the common responsibility of all States parties in the fight against climate change, acknowledges the greater historical responsibility of developed countries for climate change, as well as their higher technical and financial capabilities to take action. Therefore, it provides for asymmetrical rights and obligations that induce the creation of several instruments channelling funds and technology transfer from developed to developing countries to help them to respond to climate change related challenges.