Australia has rejected Türkiye’s offer to co-host COP31, the UN climate summit scheduled for next year, intensifying tensions as both nations push rival bids. The dispute risks overshadowing ongoing negotiations at COP30 in Belem, Brazil, where organizers are eager to demonstrate that global climate diplomacy remains effective.
By UN rules, the host must be chosen by consensus. Unless either Australia or Turkiye withdraws, or they agree to share hosting duties, both countries could lose out an unprecedented scenario that would see Germany assume hosting rights by default.
On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese firmly dismissed the idea of co-hosting with Turkiye, stating: “That’s not an option, and people are aware that it is not an option, which is why it has been ruled out.”
Turkish officials, however, told AFP they continue to advocate for a co-presidency model, though Ankara is prepared to proceed alone if consensus cannot be reached.
Australia is bidding to host the summit in Adelaide, alongside its Pacific Island neighbors, aiming to highlight the plight of regions most vulnerable to climate change. Pacific leaders have long criticized COP summits for sidelining their voices and offering limited solutions.
While Australia’s bid underscores its environmental vulnerability, it also exposes the country’s climate contradictions. As the world’s second-largest coal exporter, Australia has historically treated climate action as a political and economic liability. Years of domestic “climate wars” over emissions policy have stalled progress, leaving the nation heavily dependent on fossil fuels for growth.
The outcome of the COP31 host selection will be closely watched, as it carries symbolic weight for both regional representation and the credibility of global climate negotiations.
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