Why in NEWS
The 62nd Bonn Climate Change Conference was held in Germany to review global climate progress and prepare the agenda for COP30 in Belem, Brazil. While discussions advanced on adaptation, just transitions, and climate finance, sharp divides remained over funding and climate responsibility.
Key Concepts and Definitions
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| UNFCCC | United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1992 treaty on climate action. |
| COP | Conference of Parties, annual global climate summit under UNFCCC. |
| Subsidiary Bodies (SBs) | SBI (Implementation) and SBSTA (Science/Technology), assist UNFCCC decisions. |
| GGA | Global Goal on Adaptation, part of the Paris Agreement for building resilience. |
| JTWP | Just Transition Work Programme, aims to ensure equitable climate transitions. |
| NDCs | Nationally Determined Contributions, country-wise climate targets under the Paris Agreement. |
What is the Bonn Climate Conference?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature | Mid-year UNFCCC meeting to guide COP agenda |
| Participants | UNFCCC bodies, negotiators, scientists, civil society |
| Focus Areas | Adaptation, finance, NDCs, just transitions, loss & damage |
Key Outcomes of Bonn Climate Conference 2025
| Issue | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Global Goal on Adaptation | Progress on 100 indicators; draft list to be finalized by COP30 |
| Just Transition | Belém Action Mechanism agreed to support fair and equitable transitions |
| National Climate Plans | Most countries missed NDC deadline; Brazil urged stronger targets by Sep 2025 |
| Climate Finance | Disputes over finance continued; developing nations demanded grant-based funding |
| Loss and Damage | Fund remains underfunded; only USD 321 million paid of USD 1 trillion need |
India and its NDC Performance
| Target (2030) | Status as of Dec 2024 |
|---|---|
| 45% reduction in emission intensity | 36% achieved by 2024 |
| 50% non-fossil fuel capacity | 47.10% achieved |
| Carbon sink (2.5–3 billion tonnes) | 2.29 billion tonnes created |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code: “BONN JAM”
B – Belem Action Mechanism
O – Outstanding finance disputes
N – NDC deadline missed
N – New indicators for adaptation
J – Just transition focus
A – Adaptation & resilience goals
M – Missing climate funds
Prelims Questions
- What is the objective of the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)?
A. Reducing global carbon emissions
B. Enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity
C. Increasing non-fossil fuel usage
D. Promoting clean cooking technologies - The Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) is associated with:
A. Ensuring food security under climate change
B. Transitioning workers and communities fairly during climate action
C. Promoting ocean clean-up strategies
D. Financing renewable energy for small states - Under the Paris Agreement, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are:
A. Binding international targets
B. Submitted only by developed countries
C. Voluntary climate action plans submitted by each country
D. Legally enforceable through the UNFCCC
Mains Questions
- Discuss the importance of the Bonn Climate Change Conference in the global climate negotiation process. How can it strengthen implementation ahead of COP30? (GS III – Environment)
- Evaluate India’s progress on its updated NDC targets and identify areas where more action is needed. (GS III – Climate Change)
Prelims Answer Key
| Question No. | Correct Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | GGA focuses on resilience, adaptation, and capacity-building |
| 2 | B | JTWP supports fair transitions from fossil fuels |
| 3 | C | NDCs are self-determined and not legally binding under international law |
