Ahead of COP30 UN climate chief says 1.5°C temp limit attainable

By Abdullahi Lukman
Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), emphasized that the global goal to limit warming to 1.5°C remains achievable but requires accelerated implementation.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the UN’s June climate meetings in Bonn, Germany, Stiell urged stronger and faster efforts from countries to meet urgent climate targets.
The 62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62), running through June 13, brings together world leaders, negotiators, and civil society to prepare for the COP30 summit in Brazil this November.
Stiell acknowledged progress made in reducing projected warming from 5°C to about 3°C but said this remains insufficient.
“You’re laying down the tracks that deliver deep emissions cuts and transformative adaptation quickly and fairly,” Stiell said, calling the 1.5°C goal both “achievable and essential.”
He highlighted the need to advance the just transition work programme to support vulnerable workers and communities in moving away from fossil fuels.
Stiell also warned of budget constraints facing the climate secretariat, urging member states to provide adequate funding to meet expanding responsibilities.
He stressed the importance of the mitigation work programme from COP26 to boost climate ambition with “actionable solutions” that match the urgency of the crisis.
A key focus for negotiators in Bonn is creating a roadmap to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance by 2030, as demanded by developing countries.
Discussions will also cover emissions mitigation, the global goal on adaptation, and ensuring that just transition policies are effectively implemented.