The June Climate Meetings (60th session of the subsidiary bodies under the UNFCCC – SB60) took place in Bonn, Germany, from 3 to 13 June 2024. Climate delegates from around the world were joined by stakeholders from the public and private sector for two weeks of discussions on climate action.

Transparency takes center stage this year. The first Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) are due by the end of 2024 and the next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by early 2025. In this context, transparency was a very important topic at SB60. ICAT took part in many of the discussions, provided opportunities to share country experience was shared among ICAT countries and with others, and championed transparency at many events and meetings. Here’s a look at some key takeaways from the June UN Climate Meetings. 

• BTR is a challenge for developing countries but efforts are being made

The first BTRs are due by the end of 2024. While the Paris Agreement allows some flexibility for developing countries in light of their capacity, both in terms of time for submission and content of the report, the BTR remains a challenge for most. Timely BTR submissions will be challenging for some developing countries. Countries are making efforts to establish strong and sustainable national frameworks and institutional arrangements to support reporting. When it comes to BTRs, they are in varied stages in their preparation, with some more advanced, others that are just starting out, and some that have not begun preparations due to pending approvals of requests for support or pending arrangements for its delivery. Some are aware that they need more support, but as this is the first time preparing a BTR submission, they are unsure of the nature and extent of support needed. More clarity is also needed on what the flexibility provisions entail as well as on the use of the reporting software. 

Nevertheless, all countries strive to submit a BTR. Some least developed countries and small island developing States that have flexibility in adhering to the deadline are making great efforts to be among those submitting their BTR this year, while others in that group aim at a submission in the first or second quarter of 2025. Several countries are making arrangements to advance on BTR preparations even without the Global Environment Facility support arrangements in place, recognizing the long-term nature of a functioning national setup for reporting under the Paris Agreement.

At the ICAT-organized roundtable on BTR preparation and NDC update, representatives from 16 ICAT countries shared their experiences.

• Linking the BTRs to the 2025 NDCs is essential 

In February next year, all Parties to the Paris Agreement must submit their updated or new NDCs, which include their climate commitments under the Agreement. BTRs and NDCs are inextricably linked. Together, BTRs and NDCs are at the core of the Paris Agreement. In fact, information on progress with implementing the NDCs is essential when deciding on effective climate action to enter into enhanced NDCs going forward. Reporting on NDC progress does not fall under the flexibility provisions for BTRs: all Parties must report on progress with their NDCs. Countries that have achieved coordination between the teams and processes for the BTR preparation on one hand, and the NDC update on the other hand, highlighted the important benefits of this coordination – assessment of progress made in implementing and achieving NDCs is also the basis for raising ambition in NDC updates. It is encouraged to avoid silos and create synergies and collaborations to common benefit.

Bilateral meeting with the Nigerian Delegation. ICAT met with 34 countries during SB60.

• Data-driven policies pave a clear and just way to the future

NDCs and national – sectoral and economy-wide – climate policies must be based on robust and credible data. Through an assessment of policy impact countries can evaluate their policies, both existing and under preparation, to ensure they have maximum impact. Countries can and should assess both greenhouse gas-related impacts and socioeconomic and environmental impacts, so that policies and measures that aim to address climate change can also support economic, social and environmental priorities. Acting on climate change carries many benefits, but it may also come at a cost in some areas, whether this be financial or social. The data that comes with transparency allows leaders to assess both trade-offs and benefits of climate action to maximize benefit and minimize harm or address unavoidable negative consequences. This in turn links to the management of a just transition. The results of policy impact assessments can then be used for mobilizing the necessary finance for their implementation, as well as for securing the buy-in of national stakeholders and gaining the trust of citizens. 

“Data is essential in the realm of climate policies as it aids in policy design, risk assessment, understanding vulnerabilities, and ensuring transparency and verification. It helps in making informed decisions, building trust and taking effective actions towards mitigating and adapting to climate change,” said Cuba’s Director General of Environment, Odalys Caridad Goicochea Cardoso, at an SB60 side-event co-hosted by ICAT and the government of Cuba.

Using Data to Assess and Improve Climate Policies was the title of an official side event, hosted by Cuba and UNOPS, on 13 June 2024 at SB60. The side event explored how developing countries are using data to assess the impact, improve, and track the implementation of climate policies, drawing on global lessons learned and the methodological support available.

• Looking at transparency beyond State action and greenhouse gas emissions

While developing countries are continuing to work on building and enhancing their transparency frameworks focussed on their national greenhouse gas emissions and removals, and related policies and actions, many are now looking a step further. Aware of the urgency and importance of topics such as loss and damage, just transitions and climate finance, more and more countries are interested in harnessing the power of data. Some countries are developing specialized frameworks in these areas that enable monitoring on the basis of locally-developed indicators and processes. Sharing experiences and lessons learned along the way is important, so that other countries can replicate successful approaches in their own national contexts. As these frameworks are becoming more common, they can be used to further strengthen NDCs to include a wider array of actionable measures and considerations, for more ambitious and more inclusive climate action. At the same time, the private sector needs to be engaged and interested in climate action through regulations and when assessing the impact of mitigation actions. Transparency can open the door to enhanced dialogue between governments and the private sector. Raising awareness among private sector stakeholders about relevant methodological and other support available can promote their productive engagement in transparency.

At a side-event on 7 June organized by the UNFCCC secretariat on the topic of tracking just transitions, ICAT Director Henning Wuester highlighted the importance of national data frameworks referring to efforts in Nigeria and South Africa supported by ICAT.

• Climate finance at the center of discussions – needs to be anchored in transparency

Many of the discussions at SB60 were centered around climate finance. These discussions and negotiations will continue at the upcoming COP29 this November, where the new New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance is expected to be adopted. Transparency should guide these discussions and processes to ensure that estimation of finance needs is based on sound data and methodologies, that financial flows are accurately tracked and that funds can be allocated where they are most needed. At the same time, there is ubiquitous interest in carbon markets, seen as a way to access additional funding needed for climate action. However, it is crucial to understand that Article 6 is conceived in the Paris Agreement primarily as a means to raise ambition. Transparency requirements are foreseen for countries that engage in Article 6 activities, which must be thoroughly comprehended.

The ICAT Partner Reception brought together the ICAT Community to celebrate achievements and progress in transparency efforts.