The upcoming Bonn Climate Change Conference (SB58) is poised to be a pivotal moment in shaping the course of global climate action. With COP28 on the horizon, set to take place in the United Arab Emirates later this year, the conference aims to lay the groundwork for transformative decisions.
Building on the progress made during COP27 in Egypt last year, SB58 will bring together the 58th session of the UNFCCC subsidiary bodies, hosting a multitude of events and fostering crucial discussions on pressing issues. Among these issues are the global stocktake, the global goal on adaptation, the just transition to sustainable societies, the mitigation work programme, and loss and damage.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasized the need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The global stocktake presents a unique opportunity to correct our current trajectory, charting a new path forward with renewed determination and fresh perspectives.
At the Bonn Conference, the technical phase of the global stocktake will conclude, marking the beginning of the political phase that will strive for a robust outcome during the first stocktake at COP28.
Another critical task at SB58 is to prepare decisions for COP28, focusing on the operationalization of the new loss and damage fund and funding arrangements.
Additionally, discussions will revolve around determining the host for the Santiago network on loss and damage.
Climate finance will be a central theme throughout the events, particularly regarding the provision of sufficient and predictable financial support to developing countries for climate action.
This includes efforts to achieve the new collective quantified goal on climate finance. Transparency, accountability, and minimizing the impacts of climate change on agriculture and food security sectors will also be prioritized.
As the conference approaches, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the outcomes and breakthroughs achieved during COP27 in Egypt. Sameh Shoukry, President of COP27, emphasizes the need for collective resolve to adhere to the principles of the UN Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement, strengthening our response to the climate crisis.
Looking ahead, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate, underscores the critical role of the Bonn sessions in shaping meaningful outcomes for COP28. Key objectives include making climate finance more accessible and affordable, doubling adaptation finance, operationalizing the loss and damage fund, tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, and prioritizing the well-being of young people, nature, and health in climate progress.
The High-Level Champions for COP27 and COP28, Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin and Ms. Razan Al Mubarak, will also be present at the conference to foster connections between governmental actions and voluntary climate initiatives by cities, regions, businesses, and investors. Increasing the accountability of such actions will be a crucial aspect of their discussions.
The Bonn Climate Change Conference, scheduled from 5 to 15 June, holds great promise for accelerating global efforts towards a sustainable future. As the world grapples with the reality of the climate crisis, it is imperative to seize every opportunity to drive progress, implement science-based solutions, and ensure a livable planet for future generations.