From 16–26 June 2025, governments will convene in Bonn, Germany, for the 62nd session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB62). These mid-year talks may not draw as much media attention as the annual COPs, but they are instrumental in shaping how the Paris Agreement is implemented and setting the direction for decisions made later this year at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
The World Federation for Animals will be on the ground to ensure that animals—and the systems that affect them—are part of the conversation. From food systems and marine life to climate resilience, the issues under discussion have major implications for animals worldwide.
Here are three areas we’ll be watching and advocating on:
1. Climate action in food systems
A major event in Bonn will be a workshop on climate action in agriculture and food security, taking place on 17 June. The theme—systemic and holistic approaches—offers an important opening to connect the dots between climate action and animal welfare.
Today’s food systems, including industrial animal agriculture and unsustainable aquatic food production, are major drivers of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and public health risks. Shifting to high-welfare, sustainable systems—especially those promoting plant-rich diets and nature-positive farming—can drive mitigation and strengthen adaptation.
WFA will be encouraging policymakers to promote:
- Sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroecology and silvopasture, to enhance soil health and biodiversity, with incentives for plant-based proteins and alternative protein sources.
- Sustainable aquatic food systems, strengthening aquaculture and fishing regulations to prevent disease outbreaks and protect marine biodiversity.
- Sustainable diets and food environments, including dietary guidelines and public procurement policies that promote plant-rich, sustainable food options.
These interventions align with our Animals for Climate Action tool, which offers science-based policy guidance to integrate animal welfare in national climate strategies.
2. The Global Goal on Adaptation
SB62 will also feature discussions on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), a global framework to help countries prepare for and adapt to climate change. Negotiators are expected to refine indicators that will track progress towards the 11 GGA targets, ahead of their adoption at COP30.
Two targets are especially relevant for animal advocacy:
- Reducing climate impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, while accelerating up nature-based solutions
- Attaining climate-resilient, sustainable and equitable food systems
Our partners in the Food & Climate Action Group, including WFA member Mercy for Animals, are advocating for indicators that reflect these priorities, for instance, by measuring:
- Availability of climate-friendly, nutritious foods like fruits, legumes, and nuts
- Overconsumption of resource-intensive animal products
- Integration of climate considerations into national dietary guidelines
Such indicators would encourage governments to adopt policies that benefit animals, people, and the planet.
3. Ocean & Climate dialogue
On 17–18 June, SB62 will also host the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue, an annual event to advance ocean-based climate action.
WFA sees this dialogue as a critical space to highlight the role of marine animals in sustaining the climate. Marine species, such as mesopelagic fish, krill, and sharks, help cycle nutrients, regulate marine ecosystems, and support long-term carbon storage in the ocean. Yet they are increasingly threatened by warming waters, pollution, and overfishing.
This is a key moment to:
- Highlight the role of marine animals in carbon cycling and ocean health
- Promote ecosystem-based climate solutions that protect animals
- Advocate for humane and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture policies
- Encourage the use of WFA’s Animals for Climate Action tool to guide national strategies
Our member events
Several WFA member organisations will also be hosting important events:
- Brighter Green and World Animal Protection will explore how the right to food and agroecology can support just, sustainable transitions and help meet biodiversity and climate goals.
- FOUR PAWS and partners will focus on sustainable and resilient livestock production as part of food systems transformation.
Follow us on BlueSky for real-time updates from Bonn next month!
