STATEMENT: Bonn Climate Talks Spotlight Practical Steps to Drive Action, Importance of Trade

BONN, Germany (June 18, 2026) - The mid-year UN climate negotiations in Bonn were pushed into overtime as countries grappled with whether to provide more support to poorer nations to adapt to worsening climate impacts. The gathering also placed a distinct emphasis on translating global climate targets into implementing action on the ground. During the talks, the COP31 Presidency proposed new targets for building efficiency, waste reduction and widespread electrification. International trade took center stage for the first time in an official UN dialogue.

Following is a statement from David Waskow, International Climate Director, World Resources Institute:

"The Bonn climate talks made clear that countries are increasingly focused on delivering climate action that improves people's lives while strengthening economic resilience. A just transition was also squarely on the radar, reinforcing that creating quality jobs and strengthening local economies are the only viable paths to building a transition that is both durable and equitable.

"The COP31 Presidency's three proposed global targets- to expand electrification, halve growth in global waste, and reduce building energy intensity - provide a strong rallying cry. These are practical actions that governments can implement today to lower costs, improve public health, strengthen energy security and build more resilient communities.

"Enthusiasm around a just transition away from fossil fuels keeps building, thanks in no small part to the recent Santa Marta, Colombia conference and the Brazilian COP Presidency's forthcoming roadmap. Expectations are mounting for countries to craft their own tailored national roadmaps to shift off fossil fuels.

"Finance debates pushed the negotiations into overtime, particularly on the funding needed for poorer nations to build resilience to climate extremes. A recent WRI study found that these climate adaptation investments can yield massive returns - over $10 for every $1 spent.

"Trade finally moved to the forefront at the first-ever official dialogue at a UN climate gathering. Countries took an important step toward aligning climate goals with economic competitiveness, beginning a long-overdue conversation about how trade policy can support the transition to cleaner, more resilient economies. Countries' perspectives varied widely, but efforts to align international commerce and climate action are essential.

"Delegates leave Bonn with plenty of thorny issues to hash out, but the broad ambitions of the COPs this year in Antalya and next year in Addis are becoming clear: translating climate ambition into practical actions that strengthen economies, improve lives and build resilience for the future."

• Darla Bijou van Hoorn

  Media Relations Manager