Climate change conference in Bonn: 2023 is key for global climate decisions

The focus of the Bonn Climate Change Conference was on the Global Stocktake, a report that will serve as the basis for negotiations at the annual global climate conference – COP28. Organizers from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) claimed significant progress was achieved on vital issues for making necessary political decisions. Participants at the conference in Bonn agreed that it is crucial to correct the course and get on track to limit the temperature rise in line with the Paris Agreement.

The Climate Change Conference in Bonn concluded last Friday, laying the foundation for more ambitious climate actions and paving the way for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference – COP28, scheduled for December in the United Arab Emirates, according to the organizers.

Despite progress in recent years, IPCC claims the world is not on track to meet the goals from the Paris Agreement. It is necessary to nearly halve annual global emissions by the end of 2030 to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Moreover, a systemic transformation and adaptation are needed to help communities and ecosystems cope with the climate impacts that are already occurring and expected to intensify.

Preparation of global stocktake – new report to serve as basis for climate negotiations at COP28

Organizers stated that progress was made at the gathering in Bonn on critical issues, including the global stocktake, climate finance, loss and damage fund, and adaptation to climate change.

The global stocktake is a two-year process that allows stakeholders to assess their progress in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement

However, the focus was on the global stocktake, a report that assesses collective progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. It serves as a two-year snapshot for countries and other stakeholders to see where they are making progress and where they are falling behind in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The first global stocktake’s technical dialogue was concluded at the Bonn conference. It provided a platform for government delegates, observers, and experts to discuss emissions reduction, adaptation, implementation measures, and climate finance.

Critical year to limit temperature rise

During the conference, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasized that the success of COP28 and, more importantly, in stabilizing the planet’s climate would depend on the response to the stocktake.

It is a crucial process to course-correct and align efforts to limit global temperature rise. “This is a critical year for climate action,” Stiell warned.

The first global stocktake will conclude at COP28, where the technical findings will be presented and the implications discussed.

Participants at the conference also covered climate finance, particularly providing adequate financial support to developing countries for climate action. The conference addressed mechanisms for financing the new loss and damage fund. It brought together over 4,800 participants from around the world.