Australia is making a determined bid to co-host COP31, the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, alongside Pacific island nations in 2026. While Ethiopia has already been confirmed as the host for COP32, the decision regarding COP31 remains contentious following intensive discussions among involved parties. Australia continues to receive robust support from numerous Pacific leaders and allies within the Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG). However, Türkiye’s insistence on maintaining its bid has been described by several delegates as a significant obstacle.
Australia’s Climate Change Minister, Chris Bowen, expressed confidence in the backing they have received, stating that out of the 28 countries in WEOG, 23 have openly supported Australia’s bid. He noted that the consensus-based decision-making process does not allow for a formal vote, complicating matters. Instead, the process relies heavily on mutual respect and negotiations, areas where Australia is striving to engage Turkey for a potential compromise.
The sentiments from the Pacific islands reflect a deeper understanding of climate change’s immediacy. Leaders have emphasized that, should Australia succeed in hosting COP31, it must embody more than mere branding; it needs to resonate with genuine Pacific values and priorities. Climate advocates like Fenton Lutunatabua from 350.org pointed out the necessity for action that matches the urgency faced by island nations significantly impacted by climate change, stating, “Come to our homes, see the devastation, and then tell us that we don’t need the highest level of action possible.”
In response to criticisms surrounding its domestic fossil fuel exports, Australia has pointed to its commitment to a net-zero emissions pathway by 2050. Bowen outlined a strategy that includes increasing renewable energy use and enhancing energy efficiency as essential elements of Australia’s climate agenda. Nonetheless, environmental advocates emphasize that unless Australia takes substantial measures to phase out fossil fuels both domestically and in exports, its climate leadership might remain in question.
Amid all this, there are growing concerns that if an agreement between Australia and Türkiye isn’t reached soon, COP31 may default to Germany—a scenario Berlin is keen to avoid. However, optimism persists as many within the Pacific and Australia believe that a consensus can still be attained ahead of the critical decision at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, this November.
The implications of hosting COP31 are profound not just for Australia but for the entire Pacific region, as it presents a unique opportunity to showcase shared resilience and leadership on climate issues, promoting investments in renewable energy and sustainable practices. As discussions continue, there remains a collective aspiration among Pacific leaders that this initiative will culminate in a meaningful step toward global cooperation in the fight against climate change and underline the importance of international support for vulnerable nations grappling with its impacts.