In News:

The Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025 began in Bonn, Germany, with over 5,000 delegates from governments, international organisations, civil society, and scientific bodies. It serves as a crucial platform for setting the technical and political groundwork ahead of COP29.

What is the Bonn Climate Conference?

• A mid-year climate summit held annually under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Also referred to as the Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SBs).
• First held in 1995, after the UNFCCC was signed in 1992.
• Hosted in: Bonn, Germany (home of the UNFCCC headquarters).
• Organised by: The UNFCCC Secretariat.

Main Objectives

• Prepare for COP Summits: Provides a platform for technical discussions that shape the COP agenda (COP29 in this case).
• Review of Commitments: Tracks implementation of earlier climate agreements like the Paris Agreement.
• Science–Policy Integration: Connects IPCC research with policymaking processes.
• Support for Developing Nations: Discusses climate finance and technology transfer mechanisms.
• Inclusive Participation: Engages Indigenous communities, NGOs, experts, and private stakeholders.

Subsidiary Bodies of the UNFCCC

• SBI (Subsidiary Body for Implementation):
  • Reviews how climate commitments are implemented.
  • Facilitates support for developing countries.
• SBSTA (Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice):
  • Provides scientific guidance.
  • Bridges IPCC reports with UNFCCC decision-making.

Key Focus in 2025

Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)

• Originally mentioned in the Paris Agreement (2015).
• Received major progress only during COP28 (Dubai).
• Aim: Establish a global, measurable, and equitable adaptation framework, similar to the 1.5°C target for mitigation.
• Bonn 2025 focuses on operationalising this goal, especially for climate-vulnerable nations.

Importance of the Bonn Conference

• Pre-COP Platform: Decisions taken here set the tone and agenda for COP summits.
• Technical + Political Dialogue: Encourages cooperation between scientists, policymakers, and climate negotiators.
• Influences Global Climate Action: Outcomes impact the direction of global climate governance.