Australia’s bid to host the COP31 climate summit has faltered, drawing sharp criticism from the Australian Greens. The party argues that the failure stems from international perceptions of Australia’s commitment to climate action being seen as insincere, particularly in light of its ongoing reliance on fossil fuels. The Greens had hoped that hosting the summit could have served as a platform for other nations to challenge Australia’s heavy dependence on coal and gas.
Australia ranks as the world’s second largest exporter of climate pollution, trailing only Russia, with exported emissions exceeding one billion tonnes annually. This figure highlights the significant environmental impact of Australian coal and gas exports, which have nearly doubled since 2010. The Greens maintain that the current government’s prioritization of new fossil fuel projects undermines genuine climate action, with over 30 projects approved since the Labor Party took office.
Criticism of Government’s Commitment
The Australian government’s commitment to fossil fuels has drawn ire from climate advocates. The Greens assert that Labor has approved four new coal and gas projects since the last election, directly contradicting calls for a transition to renewable energy. Such actions are seen as inconsistent with the demands of Pacific Island nations for fossil fuel non-proliferation.
Senator Larissa Waters, leader of the Greens, expressed disappointment regarding the bid’s outcome, stating, “This is an embarrassing outcome… it was clear from the start that the government didn’t really want to host a climate summit.” She emphasized that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was unwilling to engage honestly on the future of coal and gas, particularly in the presence of mining industry interests.
The Greens argue that had COP31 taken place in Australia, it could have exposed Labor’s inadequate climate policies to global scrutiny. Senator Waters noted, “If COP came to Australia, it would have been a good opportunity for the world’s leaders to grill Labor for their terrible track record on climate action.”
Impact on Local Communities and International Perception
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, the Greens’ Environment spokesperson, underscored the missed opportunity for Australia, particularly for her home state of South Australia, which is experiencing severe climate-related challenges, including toxic algal blooms. “This is a climate failure for the Albanese government. The Government has let South Australians down, let Australia down and let our Pacific neighbours down,” she stated.
The federal government appears divided in its approach to climate issues, with some factions undermining efforts to present a united front. Senator Steph Hodgins-May highlighted that continued approvals for coal and gas projects diminish Australia’s credibility on the international stage. “This is extremely disappointing, but it shows that the world recognizes Australia’s significant role in making dangerous climate change worse,” she said.
As the climate crisis intensifies, the Australian government faces increasing pressure from both domestic and international stakeholders to shift toward sustainable energy solutions. The loss of the COP31 hosting opportunity serves as a reminder of the urgent need for coherent climate policies that align with global environmental goals.
