UN Climate Budget Rises 10% with China Boosting Contributions

Nearly 200 countries agreed at the Bonn Climate Conference to increase the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) core budget by 10% for 2026–2027 to €81.5 million, reflecting a broad commitment to tackling climate change despite financial challenges. The United States remains the largest contributor at 22%, though President Donald Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement and halted international climate funding, prompting Bloomberg Philanthropies to pledge covering the U.S. share. China, as the world’s second-largest economy, increased its contribution from 15% to 20% to reflect its economic growth. The decision to boost funding comes amid funding cuts in other UN agencies and political resistance in some regions, but demonstrates continued global cooperation. However, concerns remain about the transparency and effectiveness of climate funding allocation. The UNFCCC facilitates annual climate negotiations and the implementation of agreements like the Paris Accord, aiming to strengthen international climate action.