CDP comment on 2023 Bonn Climate Conference

Commenting on the close of the Bonn Climate Conference, Pietro Bertazzi, Global Director for Policy Engagement and External Affairs at CDP said: “CDP welcomes the strong presence of non-state actors in the final technical dialogues of the first Global Stocktake in Bonn: they are critical in the delivery of national goals and commitments and in our ability to meet the Paris Agreement goals.

The Global Stocktake must include discussion around and, ultimately, clear recommendations on nature which is essential to mitigating the stemming the climate crisis, adapting to impacts and strengthening resilience: we know there is no route to 1.5C without nature, yet CDP data tells us that corporate action on nature continues to lag far behind climate: in 2022 while 18,600 companies disclosed on climate change, just under 4,000 disclosed on water and 1,000 on forests. Similarly, governments must ensure that nature is considered in their national plans and policies at all levels.

The Global Stocktake is a vital mechanism for assessing progress against the collective Paris Agreement goals – and more importantly, in providing a roadmap for raising ambition and action for both governments and non-state actors. For it to be as effective as possible, it is critical that the stocktake is ambitious and remains purpose-driven, inclusive and evidence-focused. A failure to do so risks not only missing potential drivers of ambition and examples of success but also providing cover for lack of action and reflecting the true urgency of the situation, as the IPCC has laid out. Looking ahead to COP28, CDP urges governments to ensure non-state actors are as involved and engaged as possible as we move towards the outputs component of the Global Stocktake and the roadmap ahead.”