Bonn Climate Talks: What to watch for the fossil fuel transition
Bonn, Germany | June 8–18, 2026. As governments return to Bonn for the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies meetings (SB 64), the transition away from fossil fuels will be a key test of whether growing political momentum can translate into practical progress.
The climate agenda has entered a decisive implementation phase, and that shift is clearest on fossil fuels. The Brazilian Presidency is developing a global roadmap for the transition away from fossil fuels, while the Santa Marta process has brought 57 countries together to focus on how to make that transition happen in practice.
Bonn will be the first major test of whether this momentum can begin to shape the formal UNFCCC process. Three areas will be especially important to watch.
Just Transition, Transparency, and the Global Stocktake
How the transition away from fossil fuels features in the Just Transition Work Programme, transparency arrangements, and preparations for the second global stocktake. These discussions will help show whether governments are starting to translate broad commitments into national action.
Finance, Investment, and Economic Constraints
Debates on climate finance, transition investment, fossil fuel subsidy reform, debt constraints, and investment barriers will be central to whether countries —particularly developing countries—have the fiscal space and support needed to move from commitment to implementation.
Trade, Cooperation, and Non-Market Approaches
How trade policy, international cooperation, and non-market approaches can support the transition, including through discussions linked to Article 6.8. Key questions include whether governments can reshape economic incentives in favour of clean energy and green commerce, while strengthening cooperation between fossil fuel-producing and consuming countries.
What happens in Bonn will help set the tone for what is achievable at COP 31 in Türkiye this November.
Read IISD’s full take on how the Santa Marta conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels relates to Bonn.
IISD Experts Available For Interview in Bonn
Expert | Issue Areas | Media Contact |
|---|---|---|
Senior Policy Advisor & COFFIS Secretariat Manager | Fossil fuel subsidy reform, the Coalition on Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Incentives Including Subsidies (COFFIS) | Aia Brnic, [email protected], +41 78 763 4546 |
Senior Policy Advisor, Energy Program | Transitioning away from fossil fuels, public financial flows, energy security, International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Climate Change, as well as the Just transition work programme and the global stocktake workstreams. | Mark Raven, [email protected], +44 7841 474125 |
Policy Advisor, Energy Program | Transitioning away from fossil fuels, just transitions, Santa Marta outcomes, as well as the the mitigation program workstream. | Mark Raven, [email protected], +44 7841 474125 |
Senior Policy Advisor, Energy Program | Transitioning away from fossil fuels, just transitions, fossil fuel subsidy reform | Mark Raven, [email protected], +44 7841 474125 |
Press Conference: Santa Marta to Bonn – Building Political Weight for the Fossil Fuel Transition
Time and Date: 2.30 p.m. CEST, June 8, 2026
Room: Nairobi 4, Main Building - Entrance Level
IISD will hold a press conference in Bonn to reflect on how the momentum from Santa Marta can build political weight for the transition away from fossil fuels within the formal UNFCCC process.
The briefing will draw on IISD’s joint publication, Progressing the Transition Away From Fossil Fuels: A Guide for Policy-Makers Working on TAFF Roadmaps and Plans, and will explore how countries can move from ambition to implementation through credible roadmaps, financial reform, just transition planning, and international cooperation.
The press conference will be livestreamed by UNFCCC and available on demand via the official Schedule of Events page.
Media Contacts
Mark Raven, Senior Communications Officer at IISD
[email protected]
+44 7841 474125
Aia Brnic, Communications Manager at IISD
[email protected]
+41 78 763 4546
About IISD
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a globally recognized think tank with 3 decades of experience working to solve the world’s most pressing sustainable development challenges. We combine deep expertise in a wide range of issues with a collaborative approach to research, policy advice, and hands-on support to ensure these solutions are brought to life. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, we are a diverse team of over 300 professionals working from offices in Canada, Switzerland, and other locations around the world.
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