The SBSTA is one of two permanent subsidiary bodies to the Convention established by the COP/CMP. It supports the work of the COP, the CMP and the CMA through the provision of timely information and advice on scientific and technological matters as they relate to the Convention, its Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
Key areas of work for the SBSTA include the impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change, 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, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, 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 the vulnerability of developing countries to climate change and response measures, discussions under the Technology Mechanism, the Adaptation Committee and the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts.
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)
| Location | Session | Conference |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid, Spain |
SBSTA 51 | UN Climate Change Conference - December 2019 |
| Bonn, Germany |
SBSTA 50 | Bonn Climate Change Conference - June 2019 |
| Katowice, Poland |
SBSTA 49 | Katowice Climate Change Conference – December 2018 |
| Bangkok, Thailand |
SBSTA 48-2 | Bangkok Climate Change Conference - September 2018 |
| Bonn, Germany |
SBSTA 48 | Bonn Climate Change Conference - April 2018 |
| Bonn, Germany |
SBSTA 47 | UN Climate Change Conference - November 2017 |
| Bonn, Germany |
SBSTA 46 | Bonn Climate Change Conference - May 2017 |
| Marrakech, Morocco |
SBSTA 45 | Marrakech Climate Change Conference - November 2016 |
| Bonn, Germany |
SBSTA 44 | Bonn Climate Change Conference - May 2016 |
| Paris, France |
SBSTA 43 | Paris Climate Change Conference - November 2015 |
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FCCC/SBSTA/2015/L.6Implications of the inclusion of reforestation of lands with forest in exhaustion as afforestation and reforestation clean development mechanism project activities. Draft conclusions proposed by the Chair.Draft conclusions -
FCCC/SBSTA/2015/L.6Implications of the inclusion of reforestation of lands with forest in exhaustion as afforestation and reforestation clean development mechanism project activities. Draft conclusions proposed by the Chair.Draft conclusions
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FCCC/SB/2014/L.8Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts. Draft conclusions proposed by the Chairs.Draft conclusions
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FCCC/SBSTA/2014/4Synthesis report on methods and tools for, and good practices and lessons learned relating to, adaptation planning processes addressing ecosystems, human settlements, water resources and health, and good practices and lessons learned related to processes and structures for linking national and local adaptation planning. Note by the secretariat.meeting papers
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FCCC/SBSTA/2011/MISC.6Proposals for upcoming activities under the Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. Submissions from Parties and relevant organizations.party submissions
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FCCC/SBSTA/2010/9Report on the technical workshop on costs and benefits of adaptation options. Note by the secretariat.Workshop reports
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FCCC/SBSTA/2008/4Report on the joint expert meeting on technologies for adaptation to climate change. Note by the secretariatmeeting papers
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SBSTA/IPCC Special Event.2019.2.InformationNoteInformation on the SBSTA-IPCC special event: Unpacking the new scientific knowledge and key findings in the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing ClimateReports