ABSTRACT
International attention and Group of Seven (G7) action shifted toward implementing and strengthening the new UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which had been established there. In part, this focus was due to the proliferation of principles, rules, institutions, and processes that Rio created, allowing the G7 to delegate global climate leadership to the broader multilateral system about which hope was very strong. This delegation continued throughout 1993-1996, bringing less G7 summit action on climate change, if still at a level notably higher than before 1989. The G7's responsibilities on climate came more as reinforcing actions taken toward the UNFCCC process. Then in 1997, at the Denver Summit of the Eight, the G7 began to add initiatives independent of the United Nation (UN) system. G7 leaders noted in their final declaration their determination to take the lead and show seriousness of purpose in strengthening international efforts to combat climate change.
