8 November 2017: The UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, continued on Wednesday, 8 November 2017. The Fijian Presidency convened an open dialogue among representatives of non-governmental organization (NGO) constituencies and Parties. A technical workshop on ways to increase the efficiency and transparency of the budget process met. Informal consultations under the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Paris Agreement (APA), the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) also convened.

During APA informal consultations on further guidance regarding the mitigation section of decision 1/CP.21 (Adoption of the Paris Agreement), some developed countries agreed on the need for a differentiated approach but rejected “bifurcation.” Some stressed the need to find a balance between guidance that could be so detailed that it would act as a “shaming mechanism,” and so general as to be unhelpful in fulfilling the Agreement’s obligations. The Co-Facilitator presented a document, noting that Parties could “take it, leave it, or use it as something to discuss amongst themselves.” Parties could not agree on a way forward. Informal consultations will continue.

During APA informal consultations on modalities, procedures and guidelines (MPGs) for the transparency framework for action and support, Parties disagreed on the basis for differentiating commitments in the MPGs. Some developing countries argued for differentiation based on Convention categories. Some developed countries rejected a “bifurcated” approach other than as reflected in Decision 1.CP/21.

Several developing countries called for a designated informal consultation session on equity and how it would relate to the global stocktake.

During APA informal consultations on the global stocktake (GST), the Co-Facilitators said the revised “building blocks” document was designed to guide discussions, but intentionally avoided details to not prejudge the GST’s operational model. Many Parties expressed opposition to the “building blocks schemata,” underscoring that it: did not sufficiently incorporate Party submissions; took options off the table; and prejudged the outcome of the GST. Several developing countries called for a designated informal consultation session on equity and how it would relate to the GST.

During APA informal consultations on the committee to facilitate implementation and promote compliance, discussions focused on linkages with the transparency framework and systemic issues. One group suggested that exploring the link is premature, and another stated no link exists with the transparency framework. One country viewed the transparency framework as “the key institution for compliance.” On systemic issues, many said such an analysis should be done on an aggregate level, without seeking to identify individual Parties. Some suggested looking at core reasons why Parties have difficulty complying.

During SBI informal consultations on common timeframes for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in Paris Agreement Article 4.10, all Parties agreed that there should be common timeframes, with many suggesting the next communication would be in 2025, with a post-2030 endpoint. Many stressed that common timeframes should apply to post-2030 NDCs only. Most agreed that discussing the “pros and cons” of five- and ten-year timeframes would be useful. Some noted that implementation periods should not lock in low ambition but should also respect different national circumstances and processes. Many called for submissions, and some supported reaching agreement in 2018.

SBI informal consultations also convened on: coordination of support for the implementation of mitigation actions in the forest sector by developing countries; matters related to capacity building under the Convention and Protocol, and on an annual technical progress report of the Paris Committee on Capacity-building (PCCB); national adaptation plans (NAPs); and gender, where delegates discussed, among other things, financing for implementation of the gender action plan.

During SBSTA informal consultations on research and systematic observations, Parties discussed whether specific greenhouse gas (GHG) and climate data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) GHG Bulletin and State of the Global Climate Statement should be included in the draft conclusions, and, if so, how. One developing country said the reports highlight the urgency of the need to address the state of the climate. Several Parties argued that referencing the WMO report is sufficient, with some pointing out that referencing numbers would make the conclusions too technical.

During SBSTA informal consultations on the local communities and indigenous peoples platform, Parties focused on where the platform will “sit” in the UNFCCC. A developing country argued that the Paris Agreement mandates that the platform be within the UNFCCC. Several developed countries argued that the platform is not intended to be a negotiating body, but could still be linked to the UNFCCC.

During joint SBSTA/SBI informal consultations on the reports of the Adaptation Committee and of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Expert Group (LEG), several developing countries proposed that the Paris mandates for the Adaptation Committee and the LEG be moved to the Subsidiary Bodies (SBs) as a standalone agenda item for their next sessions.

During joint SBSTA/SBI informal consultations on the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts (WIM), possible elements for a draft decision were presented, including when preparatory work for the 2019 review should commence, and whether there should be a standing agenda item on the WIM or whether it should be incorporated into high-level engagements such as workshops and dialogues at future COP or SB sessions. [Fiji/Bonn Highlights: Wednesday, 8 November 2017] [IISD RS Coverage of COP 23]

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IISD Reporting Services is producing the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB), providing coverage of the negotiations. This Daily Update brings you the highlights.