Bonn Meeting Poses Challenges for COP30, but Outlook Remains Optimistic

27 de June de 2025 | News

Jun 27, 2025 | News

Anna Júlia Lopes*

Considered a “pre-COP” event, the Bonn Climate Conference (known as SB62), held in Germany, concluded this Thursday (June 26) with several unresolved issues to be addressed at the Climate Change Conference (COP30) — scheduled for November 10–21 in Belém, Brazil. Still, the overall outcome was seen as positive.

Despite continued gridlock among countries over climate finance, Brazil managed to keep the Just Transition Work Programme on the negotiating table. The program aims to ensure a transition toward sustainable economies and societies, moving away from fossil fuels as part of the global response to the climate crisis.

There was also progress in the dialogue around the Global Stocktake — a mechanism that periodically assesses countries’ commitments to limiting global warming to 1.5°C or 2°C above pre-industrial levels. The topic had seen little advancement during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

“Brazil naturally assumed a leadership role in the agenda because of COP30, but also because it’s speaking out clearly about key issues like climate adaptation and regenerative agriculture systems — important nature-based solutions that Brazil can bring to the world,” said Gabriela Savian, Director of Public Policy at IPAM (Amazon Environmental Research Institute).

Another highlight of the conference was the increased synergy between the climate, biodiversity, and desertification agendas. The topic gained ground in discussions among countries and, from Brazil’s perspective, represents another step toward forest protection.

“The fact that delegations managed to agree on basic tasks — which will form the content of COP30 decisions — even amid some divergences, is a very positive sign. We left Bonn optimistic that we’ll be able to resume this work in Belém and decide on the remaining open issues,” stated Liliam Chagas, Brazil’s ambassador and chief negotiator.

Climate Finance Remains a Major Hurdle

One of the main sticking points was the debate around climate finance. Led by India, a group of developing countries pushed for Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement to be included on the COP30 agenda. That article requires wealthy nations to provide financial support to developing countries to help tackle climate change. However, developed countries argued that there isn’t enough funding currently available.

This issue became the central point of contention among countries. Ana Toni, Executive Director of COP30, emphasized that the matter will “definitely” be addressed at COP30. During negotiations in Bonn, Brazil proposed a roadmap to mobilize US$1.3 trillion annually in climate finance by 2035. The proposal responds to a prior agreement made at COP29 in Azerbaijan, where developed nations pledged to provide annual climate finance in the “billions” — a figure that fell short of the expectations of developing countries.

“A report on the US$1.3 trillion is being prepared and will be debated. Finance is fundamental to the implementation agenda. We shouldn’t treat it as a taboo,” said Toni. The COP30 executive director added that without adequate financial mechanisms, it will be “difficult” to implement the necessary changes to meet climate goals.

*IPAM journalist, anna.rodrigues@ipam.org.br

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