Bonn Climate Talks Stall as Climate Clock Ticks

Image Courtesy of UNFCCC

The climate talks in Bonn have been far from a smooth ride. The rich countries are more keen on stalling than solving. A brief reminder to you dear reader; the planet edges closer to a possible environmental tipping point, and Bonn is the "Crunch Time". However, Bonn has been turned into the field of indecision and delay. Despite the looming urgency, negotiators could not bridge their differences and commit to avert climate catastrophe.

Negotiators working on non-market approaches agreed to forward substantive draft conclusions to the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) for adoption in its joint closing plenary with the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI). However, while progress was made in some areas, negotiations on the mitigation work programme and the Just Transition Work Programme remained stuck. Delegates working on the Global Goal on Adaptation and response measures convened for another round of informal consultations, working until almost midnight.

In rooms where agreements were reached, delegates celebrated with loud applause. However, a major sticking point, especially for delegates and activists from the Global South, was the issue of financial commitments. The success of COP29 in Baku leans on actual financial obligations from the Global North being met, but developing countries have refused to budge on the "quantum" – the size of the new financial goal. This impasse has left many frustrated and concerned about the prospects of meaningful progress.

At the Climate Action Network press conference, Senior Policy Advisor - Pacific Island CAN, Dr Sindra Sharma, noted that the Pacific Islands are in the climate crisis today, and risk severe ecosystem loss and threat to life. Sharma pointed out the urgent need for climate finance adding that the $100 billion goal is inadequate to meet the needs of climate finance.

Head of Climate from CAN Europe, Sven Harmeling questioned the European Union for their silence when it comes to providing an actual number and moving the wheels of climate finance. Harmeling noted the need for a strong NCQG agreement at COP29. "It's absolutely important that public finance and grants play an essential role so that the depth and dimension is greater than the current levels of finance."

The Bonn climate talks have revealed a troubling reality: the path to COP29 in Baku is challenging. The world watches, hoping for a breakthrough that will turn the tide and address the global climate crisis.