Delegates from 198 nations are convening in Bonn, Germany this week to prepare for COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference scheduled for Baku, Azerbaijan in November. Serving as a critical stepping stone, the Bonn Climate Change Conference will help pave the way for the major decisions to be made there. Thousands will gather at the headquarters of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to address some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.
Climate Finance: A Hot Topic in Bonn
The Climate Action Network (CAN) urges the EU to take a strong stance in Bonn towards an ambitious climate finance agreement at COP29, viewing it as a cornerstone for transforming the current "unjust financial system."
CAN Europe's Emilia Runberg emphasizes the EU's crucial role in driving an ambitious climate finance deal at Bonn. This, she argues, is the foundation for shifting the current "unfair financial system." "The EU must be the driving force in agreeing a new, strong climate finance goal for the post-2025 period, focused on public finance, based on need, equity, and reflecting the special legal obligations of developed countries," Runberg asserts.
Loss and Damage Funding: Can Progress Be Made in Bonn?
Alongside climate finance discussions, decisions on funding for loss and damage are another notable issue. Bonn is expected to host the third and final session of the Glasgow Dialogue on this matter. Established at COP26 in Glasgow in 2022, this dialogue series aims to "discuss arrangements for financing activities to prevent, minimize, and address loss and damage associated with the adverse impacts of climate change."
While the Loss and Damage Fund was operationalized at COP28 last year, the decision remained controversial. Concerns arose regarding the World Bank hosting the fund and the lack of mandatory contributions from developed countries. Notably, no specific goals are set for this final dialogue session in Bonn. However, parties and non-party stakeholders are anticipated to continue discussions surrounding the fund.
National Climate Plans and Kicking the Fossil Fuel Habit
One of the most significant outcomes of COP28 was the global agreement to transition away from fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy and energy efficiency. Often referred to as the "beginning of the end" for fossil fuels, the focus now shifts to translating this pledge into reality.
Countries are expected to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - outlining their greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments - early next year. Bonn offers a platform for further discussions on integrating the COP28 fossil fuel pledge into these NDCs before finalization. This conference, following the first Global Stocktake (GST) that assessed collective progress towards Paris Agreement goals, presents an opportunity to define the characteristics of a strong NDC. Bonn can be instrumental in interpreting the GST results and guiding the world towards achieving the 1.5°C global warming limit.
The EU is one of the ambitious potential frontrunners when discussing the next emissions reduction target for 2040. But for now, there is a lack of clear direction and with European Parliament elections looming, it remains unclear what progress the bloc can make at the conference in Bonn.
The Bonn Conference on Climate Change is an important event, bringing together countries and other stakeholders to discuss and promote climate action. The results of the conference will have a significant influence on decisions made at COP29 next November.
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