As the global community eagerly anticipates COP32 in Ethiopia, discussions regarding the host of COP31 remain unresolved after a week of intensive negotiations. Australia is campaigning to co-host COP31 alongside the Pacific Islands, receiving substantial backing, yet Turkey’s persistent bid complicates the issue. Delegates have described Turkey’s position as an “immovable stone wall,” creating hurdles in the decision-making process.
Australia’s Climate Change Ministry has reiterated its commitment to securing the bid, emphasizing the overwhelming support from the Western European and Others Group (WEOG) and regional leaders from the Pacific. Minister Chris Bowen disclosed that 23 out of 28 WEOG countries are in favor, with Turkey being the sole opponent. The decision-making process relies heavily on consensus rather than formal voting, making negotiations critical.
While Bowen described the traditional process as grounded in trust and understanding, he acknowledged the difficulty in finding a win-win solution with Turkey. Despite multiple meetings, a resolution remains elusive. It has been made clear that if Australia is awarded the bid, the final outcome must genuinely reflect Pacific priorities rather than serve merely as a branding opportunity.
Fenton Lutunatabua from 350.org highlighted the necessity for a COP that prioritizes Pacific leadership. With ten years having passed since the Paris Agreement, he remarked on the urgent need for action to address the severe risks posed by climate change, pointing out the destructive impact it has had on communities in the region.
In light of criticism regarding its fossil fuel policies, Australia has emphasized its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, which will involve significant advancements in energy efficiency, electrification, and the scaling up of clean energy resources. Despite concerns that these measures may not go far enough, Australia is determined to substantially decarbonize its electricity sector by 2030. However, the simultaneous expansion of fossil fuel projects raises questions about its dedication to climate leadership.
The urgency of these discussions is pronounced, as a failure to reach an agreement between Australia and Turkey could result in Germany being automatically assigned as the host country for COP31—an outcome Berlin is keen to circumvent. Ongoing negotiations reflect the Pacific region’s strong advocacy for substantive climate action and a demand for heightened international support that amplifies the concerns of vulnerable communities.
This dialogue embodies a cautious optimism, as both Australia and the Pacific Islands strive for an agreement that prioritizes effective responses to climate change. The world is watching intently to see if Australia can successfully secure the hosting rights for COP31 and what level of genuine climate action will emerge from this pivotal summit.