United Nations Climate Chief Simon Stiell has called on nations to advance and accelerate their climate commitments during the opening of the UN Climate Meetings in Bonn, Germany. These crucial discussions serve as a significant precursor to the COP31 climate conference, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, in November.
“Tackling the global climate crisis is the hardest, yet most important thing humanity is trying to do together,” Stiell stated. “It is worth it, because we have no alternative. Every economy and every population depends on it.”
Key Preparatory Meetings
The Bonn meetings are an annual event designed to prepare for the larger COP conferences. The most recent COP conference was held in Belém, Brazil, last November. Over the next two weeks, delegates will focus on advancing technical and political work, alongside reviewing progress on existing commitments. This year’s negotiations occur amidst escalating climate impacts and increasing pressure on nations concerning energy security, food systems, and economic uncertainties. Key areas of focus will include adaptation, finance, a just transition to renewable energy, agriculture, and food security, all aimed at fulfilling the goals of the Paris Agreement.
“We Are Not Where We Need to Be”
Stiell acknowledged that while climate action and the global economy are progressing, the current pace is insufficient. “We are not where we need to be. But we are not where we used to be,” he remarked, adding that this challenging work is beginning to yield results. “People around the world want this process to continue to deliver results at an accelerating pace and scale. We do not have time to reopen past discussions or renegotiate commitments already made.”
Fossil Fuel Dependency and Costs
He highlighted that those already bearing the brunt of climate inaction—including deadly heatwaves, El Niño effects, and the “fossil fuel cost crisis” exacerbated by conflict in the Middle East—are already paying the price, impacting households and economies globally. Stiell emphasized, “It is crystal clear: continuing our fossil fuel dependency means continuing to import inflation and economic instability, while exporting energy security, sovereignty, and policy autonomy, leaving economies and communities exposed to climate disasters, with devastating impacts on lives and livelihoods.”
Focus on Delivery
Stiell urged countries to go “further, faster” by fully implementing their obligations and plans under the Paris Agreement. He stressed the need for countries to first facilitate the Paris process, stating that “all institutions must continuously evolve and improve.” Critical issues requiring advancement include the Global Goal on Adaptation, Belém Adaptation Indicators, the delivery of outcomes from the first global stocktake, developing a just transition mechanism, and climate finance work programs, such as the Adaptation Fund. “They must bring the work of this process closer to the real economy,” he concluded, pointing to the Global Climate Action Agenda as a platform that brings together governments, businesses, innovators, investors, cities, regions, and civil society to support implementation.
Seize the Opportunity
Stiell also addressed calls for governments to make the UN climate process more efficient and accessible. He assured that the Secretariat is attentive to concerns regarding mandates, access to climate finance, and reporting burdens on parties, including broader efforts under the UN80 reform initiative. “The Secretariat will always be there to advise and support you,” he said. “But ultimately, this is your process and your decisions.” He encouraged delegates to utilize the Bonn meeting to address major challenges such as energy and food security, waste reduction, strengthening urban resilience, and combating methane emissions. “The hard work continues,” Stiell stated, adding, “Seize these two weeks.”
