Should Pacific Leaders Agree to Co-host COP31 with Australia?

The relationship between Australia and Pacific Island nations in the context of climate change and their joint bid to co-host the 2026 United Nations Climate Conference (COP31) is complex.

This week, the Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy will visit Fiji to ask Pacific Climate Ministers to support Australia’s bid to co-host COP31.

The Pacific Island nations and Australia are bonded by a shared frontline position due to their geographical connection and resulting vulnerability to the climate crisis. However, Small Island Pacific voices are raising some key issues ahead of this visit.

1. Discord Between Words and Actions: The Australian government’s claims of commitment to climate action and the Paris Agreement are contrasted with its approval of new fossil fuel projects and subsidies to the fossil fuel industry.

2. Disproportionate Impact of Fossil Fuels: Despite being smaller contributors to global emissions, Pacific Island nations are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, exacerbated by Australia’s fossil fuel activities.

3. Opportunity of COP31: The significance of hosting a major climate conference like COP31 is an opportunity to bring attention to the existential threat faced by Pacific Island nations.

4. Call for Concrete Action: The Pacific leaders emphasize that genuine partnership should be based on concrete action rather than empty promises. They reference the Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific, urging the end of fossil fuel subsidies and new projects.

5. Clear Path Forward: Australia should halt new fossil fuel projects, end fossil fuel subsidies, invest in renewable energy, and prioritize policies for the planet’s health over profit.

6. Dissatisfaction with Historical Approach: Pacific leaders express dissatisfaction with Australia’s historical approach to their concerns and emphasize the need for reciprocity and genuine commitment.

7. Urgency of Climate Impacts: The urgency of the climate crisis and its current impacts on Pacific Island nations is stressed, demanding immediate attention and action. Pacific leaders should defer their decision to support Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 until Australia takes tangible steps towards ending fossil fuel support.

8. Call for Solidarity: The Pacific leaders ask to be treated as allies, neighbors, and family by Australia and request meaningful collaboration. Overall, the co-hosting bid for COP31 has the potential to be a catalyst for real change, in the region.

Read the full opinion piece here