By Abbas Nazil
The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell, has warned that continued dependence on fossil fuels is driving inflation, weakening energy security and increasing economic instability across the world.
Stiell made the remarks while delivering his opening address at the 64th sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies under the UNFCCC (SB64), which commenced on June 8 at the World Conference Center in Bonn, Germany.
The two-week meeting, scheduled to run until June 18, is expected to attract more than 7,000 participants, including government negotiators, civil society organisations and private sector representatives, who will discuss critical climate issues and lay the groundwork for major decisions ahead of COP31 in Türkiye later this year.
Addressing delegates, Stiell said the world is already experiencing the economic and social consequences of its continued reliance on fossil fuels.
He argued that dependence on fossil energy sources is not only contributing to inflationary pressures but is also undermining national energy security and policy independence.
According to him, countries that remain tied to fossil fuels continue to expose themselves to economic shocks, geopolitical tensions and climate-related disasters that threaten livelihoods and long-term prosperity.
“It is crystal clear: continuing our fossil fuel dependency means continuing to import inflation and economic instability, while exporting energy security, sovereignty and policy autonomy,” he said.
Stiell stressed that the solution lies in accelerating climate action and ensuring that commitments already made under the Paris Agreement are fully implemented.
He urged countries to focus on delivering existing climate pledges rather than reopening negotiations on previously agreed decisions.
While acknowledging that progress has been made in recent years, he noted that global efforts remain insufficient to achieve climate goals at the pace required.
“That means doubling down on delivery. We are not where we need to be. But we are somewhere we have never been before,” he said.
The UN climate chief noted that climate action is increasingly shaping global economic policies and investment decisions, although the transition is not advancing quickly enough to match the scale of the challenge.
He pointed to rising temperatures, recurring heatwaves, energy market disruptions linked to geopolitical conflicts and worsening climate-related impacts as evidence of the urgent need for stronger action.
Stiell described the Bonn talks as a critical milestone on the road to COP31, emphasizing the need for progress on major negotiation issues, including the Global Goal on Adaptation, the Belém Adaptation Indicators and implementation of outcomes from the first Global Stocktake.
He also highlighted the importance of advancing discussions on a just transition framework that would help countries shift to low-carbon economies while protecting jobs and livelihoods.
Climate finance, he said, remains a central pillar of the negotiations.
He noted that discussions would focus on strengthening climate finance arrangements, improving access to funding, enhancing coordination among financial mechanisms and supporting the Adaptation Fund.
Stiell further revealed that many countries are calling for reforms within the UN climate process to reduce reporting burdens, improve efficiency and streamline institutional procedures.
According to him, such concerns are being examined as part of broader reforms across the United Nations system.
He also called for stronger links between climate diplomacy and real-world development priorities, including food security, energy access, industrial transformation and urban resilience.
Stiell said the global climate agenda is increasingly bringing together governments, businesses, investors, cities and civil society organisations to support implementation efforts beyond formal negotiations.
He noted that COP30 introduced six thematic action areas aimed at accelerating implementation of Global Stocktake outcomes and commended Türkiye and Australia for sustaining momentum in those areas.
The UNFCCC chief urged negotiators and stakeholders attending the Bonn meeting to intensify efforts on methane reduction, strengthen food and energy security, minimise waste and improve climate resilience in cities and communities.
“The hard work continues. Make these two weeks count,” he said.
The outcomes of the Bonn climate talks are expected to provide the technical foundation for key decisions and negotiations at COP31 in Türkiye later this year.
