By Abbas Nazil
Australia’s ambition to host the COP31 climate summit and position itself as a renewable energy leader is at risk due to an ongoing dispute with Turkey, which is also vying to host the global event.
Diplomats warn that failure to secure hosting rights could damage Australia’s credibility in the green energy transition and strain relations with its Pacific island neighbours, who are among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations.
Australia had been seen as the frontrunner to host COP31, aiming to co-host the summit with Pacific nations to highlight their climate challenges and reinforce regional ties.
But Turkey intensified its rival campaign, emphasizing its own progress toward a 2053 net-zero goal and a stronger focus on financing climate efforts for developing countries.
The deadlock must be resolved during COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
Without an agreement, hosting duties will likely default to Bonn, Germany, where the UN’s climate headquarters are located.
Experts say hosting the conference would provide Australia an economic and diplomatic boost.
Wesley Morgan of the University of New South Wales stressed that COP31 is vital for Australia’s economic future, arguing that the event would attract investment, create jobs, and support the nation’s transition away from fossil fuels.
EY Net Zero Centre partner Emma Herd added that COP31 would showcase Australia’s renewable energy potential and strengthen investor confidence in green industries such as hydrogen, green steel, and battery technologies.
Beyond economics, Australia views hosting COP31 as a key step in rebuilding trust with Pacific nations, which have long prioritized climate change as their main security concern.
Climate Minister Chris Bowen said the summit would demonstrate Australia’s commitment to being “the partner of choice for the Pacific.”
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, attending COP30 as Oceania’s envoy, reiterated the Pacific slogan “1.5 to stay alive,” emphasizing the urgency of limiting global warming.
However, negotiations remain tense. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently wrote to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan seeking compromise, but Turkey has refused to withdraw.
One possible resolution could involve splitting the event, with Turkey hosting the leaders’ summit.
Until a decision is reached, Australia’s efforts to prepare for the world’s most important climate conference remain on hold, clouding its green energy ambitions and diplomatic outreach in the Pacific.