More Background on the SBSTA

Key areas of work for the SBSTA are the impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change; emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries; promoting the development and transfer of environmentally-sound technologies; and conducting technical work to improve the guidelines for preparing and reviewing greenhouse gas emission inventories from Annex I Parties. The SBSTA carries out methodological work under the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol, and promotes collaboration in the field of research and systematic observation of the climate system.

In addition, the SBSTA plays an important role as the link between the scientific information provided by expert sources such as the IPCC on the one hand, and the policy-oriented needs of the COP on the other hand. It works closely with the IPCC, sometimes requesting specific information or reports from it, and also collaborates with other relevant international organizations that share the common objective of sustainable development.

The SBSTA and SBI work together on cross-cutting issues that touch on both their areas of expertise. These include capacity building, the vulnerability of developing countries to climate change and response measures, the Kyoto Protocol mechanisms, and key political issues such as the 2013-2015 review, the full spectrum of discussions under the Technology Mechanism, and co-ordination of support for REDD plus.

The SBSTA and the SBI have traditionally met in parallel, twice a year. When they are not meeting in conjunction with the COP, the subsidiary bodies usually convene at the seat of the secretariat in Bonn, Germany. 

Secretariat contact for SBSTA coordination:
Ms. Wanna Tanunchaiwatana - SBSTA Coordinator (wtanunchaiwatana@unfccc.int)
Ms. Hanna Hoffmann - SBSTA Focal Point (hhoffmann@unfccc.int)