Jakarta – The 2023 Bonn Climate Change Conference, also known as the 58th session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), came to a close on 15 June 2023. This gathering of delegates from around the world marked a significant milestone in climate negotiations leading up to the upcoming COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The conference focused on the work of two permanent subsidiary bodies of the UNFCCC: the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI). These bodies addressed crucial topics that are expected to play a pivotal role in the negotiations during COP28.
While progress was made on some issues, such as the work program on just transition pathways, other matters encountered delays primarily due to debates over wording and timing. Informal consultations were frequently paused to allow country groups to coordinate among themselves and with others, leading to huddles and intense conversations throughout the venue.
Despite the efforts exerted during the conference, the outcomes fell short of everyone’s expectations. In their closing statements, many speakers expressed their disappointment with the weak outcome of the consideration of the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The report, recognised as the most comprehensive and robust assessment of climate change to date, emphasises the urgent need for action within this decade. Speakers stressed the importance of responding to its findings with immediate and decisive measures.
UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell in his closing statement said: “We are five months away from a critical moment in the Paris Agreement’s ambition cycle, where we must agree a path forward across all items, not because we are performing a circus-like ‘balancing act’, but because more action is needed across the board if we have a hope of meeting our commitments. Don’t sit back and wait for this to be done for you. We cannot put that burden on the Chairs and the incoming Presidency alone. Think instead of what you can offer in terms of support or by being a champion for success.”
Looking ahead, participants emphasised several key priorities. These include identifying a host for the Santiago Network on loss and damage, developing the framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation, enhancing mitigation ambition and implementation, and ensuring a course correction through the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement. These objectives highlight the urgency and significance of addressing climate change effectively on a global scale.
The Bonn Climate Change Conference concluded leaving delegates with mixed feelings of hope and concern. While some progress was achieved, the conference highlighted the ongoing challenges and complexities in reaching a consensus on key issues. The focus now shifts towards the upcoming COP28 in Dubai, where world leaders and negotiators will have the opportunity to build upon the discussions and decisions made in Bonn and work towards concrete actions to combat climate change. The future of our planet depends on the collective efforts of all nations to address this pressing global challenge. (nsh)
Banner photo: Delegates gather for the closing plenary (Source: IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin)
