Australia is stepping up its bid to host next year’s COP31 climate summit, with Energy Minister Chris Bowen set to travel to Brazil this Saturday for COP30. The move comes amid a prolonged standoff with Turkey, which is also vying to host the United Nations climate conference.
Both countries submitted their bids back in 2022, and neither has shown signs of backing down. Earlier this month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reached out directly to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in a bid to break the deadlock.
Bowen, speaking to reporters at Sydney Airport, expressed confidence in Australia’s chances, stating, “Australia has the overwhelming support of the world to host” the upcoming conference. In a formal statement, he added that he would strongly advocate for Australia while showcasing the nation’s clean energy sector at the summit in Belem, in the heart of the Amazon.
Australia’s bid aims to highlight collaboration with Pacific island nations for the first time at COP, addressing the “existential threat” of climate change together. Bowen emphasized that the nation has much at stake but that proactive efforts now can help prevent the most devastating impacts of a warming planet.
Backing Australia’s bid is a regional bloc of 18 countries, the Pacific Islands Forum, whose member nations are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels. As Australia pivots toward becoming a “renewable energy superpower,” it is actively investing in critical minerals, green steel, and clean transition technologies like batteries.
Turkey, meanwhile, emphasizes the need for COP to focus more directly on climate financing for developing nations, highlighting its progress toward a 2053 net-zero emissions target.
The annual COP gatherings, once primarily diplomatic meetings, have evolved into major global platforms for climate action, trade, and economic opportunities—making hosting rights highly sought-after.
In the end, Australia’s bid isn’t just about prestige; it’s about leadership, collaboration, and showing the world that proactive climate solutions can come from down under.
