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Cop31 Hosts Criticized for Coal Ties
4 Oct
Summary
- Cop31 hosts Turkey and Australia face criticism over coal supply chain involvement.
- Activists accuse the upcoming climate conference hosts of inaction on fossil fuels.
- Australia approved its largest coalmine expansion amid preparations for Cop31.
As Cop31 approaches, hosts Turkey and Australia are under fire from 350.org for their deep ties to the coal industry and apparent inaction on fossil fuel phase-out plans. The campaign group has accused the nations of a "vacuum of action" regarding a transition away from coal, gas, and oil, key goals for many attending the summit.
This criticism surfaces as Australia, a "president of negotiations" for Cop31, has seen its New South Wales regulator approve the largest coalmine expansion in the state's history. This project, if federally approved, could emit an estimated 809 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its 19-year life extension.
350.org highlights that since the 2015 Paris agreement, Australia's coal exports to Turkey have generated over 75 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The organization notes that both countries are now expanding their liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade while largely ignoring fossil fuels in their public statements before Cop31.
Andreas Sieber of 350.org urged the hosts to follow Brazil's example by creating roadmaps for transitioning away from fossil fuels, starting with announcing coal phase-out dates. Despite Australia's domestic clean energy growth, it remains a major coal and LNG exporter, with shipments expected to exceed A$140 billion this year. Turkey, Europe's largest coal-power generator, also plans to increase its coal and gas capacity by approximately 30% by 2035.
Climate change minister Chris Bowen stated that acting on climate change is in Australia's national interest, and the country aims to be a reliable trading partner by assisting others in their energy transitions through renewable energy exports. However, scientists express skepticism, noting Australia's approval of 37 fossil fuel developments since 2022 and Turkey's focus on expanding coal and gas infrastructure.
The Cop31 summit will occur amidst heightened concerns over climate impacts, following a "super El Niño" weather pattern and a UN warning that the world is on track to breach the 1.5C global heating goal. The UN has called for immediate, sustained emission cuts to mitigate intensifying extreme weather and rising sea levels.
