The Ukrainian delegation actively participated in the Bonn Climate Change Conference, a prominent international platform held from June 5th to 15th, 2023, for discussions on climate action. With delegates from over 100 Parties to the Paris Agreement, the conference aimed to assess progress, address critical issues, and set the stage for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP28). Ukraine played a pivotal role in this global gathering, shedding light on the environmental challenges caused by the full-scale invasion while demonstrating its commitment to climate resilience.
The conference primarily focused on the global stocktake process, enabling countries and stakeholders to evaluate their collective efforts in meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. To facilitate informed decision-making, the stocktake included a technical dialogue where scientific knowledge and assessments on mitigation, adaptation, and means of implementation were exchanged. Ukraine actively engaged in these dialogues, stressing the urgency of climate action and emphasizing the significance of international collaboration.
During the Bonn conference, the Ukrainian delegation seized the opportunity to address critical issues impacting the country. One notable achievement was the inclusion of a note in the reports of the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, explicitly highlighting the environmental impacts of the temporary control of Crimea and areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts by the Russian Federation. This step aimed to raise awareness about the environmental challenges the affected territories face.
Furthermore, Ukraine took the opportunity to inform the international community about the devastating environmental consequences of the Russian invasion. The delegation presented the findings of the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions over the year in the report titled “Climate Damage Caused by Russia’s War in Ukraine.” The study estimated that over 119 million tons of greenhouse gases were released, equivalent to Belgium’s annual emissions. The delegation also highlighted the catastrophic consequences of the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. These examples underscored the lasting effects of Russia’s hostilities on global climate change, emphasizing that the transition to green initiatives can only be realized once peace is restored and Ukraine’s territorial integrity is regained.
Additionally, the Ukrainian delegation held bilateral meetings with representatives from Switzerland and Japan, fostering collaborations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. These partnerships further demonstrated Ukraine’s commitment to international climate action and facilitated the exchange of best practices and technologies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Aligned with Ukraine’s contributions, the conference participants delved into various subjects aimed at advancing joint mitigation efforts, including response measures, adaptation strategies, addressing loss and damage, and exploring means of implementation. Notably, a new collective quantified objective on climate finance for 2024 was established. The outcomes of the conference will play a vital role in shaping future decisions and actions at COP28, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change on a global scale.
The participation of the Ukrainian delegation in the Bonn Climate Change Conference played a crucial role in amplifying Ukraine’s voice. It marked another significant stride towards justice restoration and the pursuit of a greener and safer future. The visit of the Ukrainian delegation to the Bonn Climate Change Conference was made possible through the financial support of the EU4Climate project. EU4Climate, a regional initiative supported by the EU and implemented by UNDP in Ukraine, plays a significant role in assisting the Ukrainian government in combating climate change and implementing the Paris Agreement.