There is scientific evidence that the climate has changed and will continue to change during the next century, both globally and locally, due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The increase in these gases is due mainly to human activities, such as the use of fossil fuels and change in the land surface through agriculture. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted in New York on 9 May 1992. The objective of the Convention is to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The Republic of Namibia ratified the UNFCCC on 16 May 1995 and this decision came into effect on 14 August 1995. This initial national communication by Namibia to the Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC is delivered in accordance with Articles 4 and 12 of the Convention. The communication follows the guidelines laid out in the Decision 10 of the Second Conference of Parties. It includes the emissions of greenhouse gases from the territory of Namibia for the year 1994, the specified "base year" for signatory countries not listed in Annex 1 of the Convention. Summaries of the anticipated impacts of climate change, a statement of the actions taken and planned by Namibia to avoid and respond to climate change, and some of Namibia's initially identified needs in this regard are outlined.