Stalled Negotiations and Climate Science Attacks

The Bonn Climate Change Conference concluded on 18th June 2026, revealing slow progress on critical issues such as fossil fuel phase-out, forest protection, and climate finance. Significant challenges now face the COP31 Presidency due to this stalled progress.

Negotiations at the Bonn conference, officially known as SB64, were hindered by deadlocks on climate finance for developing countries and mitigation measures. Attacks on climate science became more prominent, leading a coalition of parties to demand the protection of scientific integrity.

Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, stated, “An unrelenting war on climate science took place in Bonn as fossil fuel producing nations attempted to erode the 1.5°C mandate, cutting into the negotiation tracks meant to guarantee the dignified survival of the most vulnerable to climate change.”

Pacific Concerns and the Path Forward

Concerns among Pacific nations have risen due to stalled progress at Bonn regarding the impacts of climate change, with leaders calling for reinforced commitments to phase out fossil fuels. Various advocacy groups emphasised the need for concrete actions to halt new coal, oil, and gas projects.

Dr. Susie Byers, Head of Advocacy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, commented, “Progress at Bonn has been far slower than the urgency the climate crisis demands. We are running headfirst into catastrophic levels of heating, yet the negotiating rooms are becoming increasingly detached from the realities communities are facing.”

As the focus shifts to COP31 in Türkiye, significant progress in climate negotiations remains crucial. The COP31 Presidency is urged to back longstanding Pacific priorities and build momentum towards a fossil fuel phase-out. A clear focus on transitioning away from fossil fuels and electrification targets is essential.

The coalition of parties advocating for science declared that defending climate science is paramount to achieving the goals set for COP31. Concrete action at home, such as developing national roadmaps away from fossil fuels, is vital.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific highlighted the critical need for the COP31 Presidency to demonstrate leadership with moral clarity. They emphasised stopping every new coal, oil, and gas project, including the controversial Browse gas project at Scott Reef.