Australia and Turkey face criticism as Cop31 hosts over coal embrace

The two countries, which will run the fortnight-long talks, have been accused by campaign group 350.org of a 'vacuum of action' on transitioning away from coal, gas and oil. Australia holds the role of 'president of negotiations' at the summit.

Preparations are expected to ramp up this week with a small preparatory meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu, attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and representatives from more than 50 countries. However, few leaders from outside the Pacific region accepted invitations, and some who confirmed have since cancelled, including Thailand's prime minister.

The criticism comes days after a New South Wales regulator approved the largest coalmine expansion in the state's history. The 19-year life extension for the Hunter Valley Operations thermal coalmine could lead to an estimated 809 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions if it receives federal approval.

A report by 350.org cited UN Comtrade data suggesting the supply of coking and thermal coal from Australia to Turkey had been responsible for more than 75 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions since the Paris climate agreement was signed in 2015. The report said the two countries are also expanding trade in liquefied natural gas.

The group noted that the Cop31 presidents have largely ignored fossil fuels in public comments ahead of the summit. Three letters setting out mission and expectations for the talks, two from the Turkish government and one from Australia, made little mention of phasing out fossil fuels.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The success of Cop31 depends on host nations demonstrating leadership, yet both Australia and Turkey continue to rely on and expand fossil fuel production and trade.
Pacific island nations, already facing climate impacts, will be watching whether the summit produces a clear global deal to transition away from coal, oil and gas.
The preparatory meeting in Fiji was intended to highlight the plight of low-lying nations, but low leader attendance may undermine that message.

Background

Cop31 is the next major United Nations climate conference, scheduled for November in Antalya, Turkey. The summit follows the Paris Agreement, which set goals to limit global warming but left individual countries to set their own emissions targets. Australia and Turkey, both significant coal producers and consumers, jointly hold the presidency this year. Australia pushed to hold pre-summit meetings in the Pacific to draw attention to climate vulnerability in the region.

Key Perspectives

[Australia and Turkey as hosts]: Both countries argue they are committed to climate action but maintain that fossil fuels remain necessary for energy security and economic growth. Australia's role as president of negotiations puts it in a position to shape the summit agenda. [Activists and campaign groups]: Groups such as 350.org argue that hosting a climate summit while expanding coal production and trade is hypocritical and undermines the purpose of the talks. They are calling for a coal phase-out date and national roadmaps away from fossil fuels. [Pacific island nations]: For low-lying states, the summit is an opportunity to push for stronger action. The preparatory meeting in Fiji was intended to amplify their voices, but the low attendance of international leaders may weaken the impact.

What to Watch

The outcomes of the preparatory meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu this week.
Whether Australia or Turkey announce any coal phase-out dates or new fossil fuel policies before Cop31.
The level of political engagement and attendance from major emitters at the summit itself in Antalya.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources