Turkey and Australia, the hosts of the upcoming Cop31 UN climate conference, are being criticised by activists for remaining partners in a coal supply chain while saying little about a global plan to move off fossil fuels.
The hosts of the next major United Nations climate conference, Turkey and Australia, are facing criticism for being partners in a coal supply chain while remaining near silent on the need for a global deal to rapidly get off fossil fuels, according to the Guardian.
With the Cop31 summit in the Turkish Mediterranean city of Antalya just a month away, the two countries running the fortnight-long talks have been accused by activists of a “vacuum of action” on plans for a transition away from coal, gas and oil. The Guardian reports that such a transition is a key goal of many nations attending the talks.
Global campaign group 350.org has urged the Cop31 hosts to announce a coal phase-out date and to publish national roadmaps setting out how they will get off fossil fuels.
The criticism centres on the apparent gap between the host countries’ responsibilities in leading the international climate talks and their continued role in the coal supply chain. Campaigners argue that countries chairing the negotiations should lead by example on the very outcome the conference is intended to deliver.
At the time of reporting, the two governments had remained near silent on the question of a global deal to rapidly move away from fossil fuels, the Guardian reports, prompting concern among activists ahead of the summit.
Why it matters
UN climate conferences set the direction of global efforts to cut emissions, and the credibility of the hosts can shape the ambition of the talks. Criticism that Turkey and Australia are embracing coal while leading Cop31 raises questions about whether the summit can deliver a meaningful agreement to move off fossil fuels.
Frequently asked questions
Where and when is Cop31 being held?
Cop31 is being held in the Turkish Mediterranean city of Antalya. At the time of reporting it was about a month away, and the talks are scheduled to run for a fortnight.
What is 350.org asking the host countries to do?
The campaign group 350.org is urging Cop31 hosts Turkey and Australia to announce a coal phase-out date and to publish national roadmaps for getting off fossil fuels.
Why are Turkey and Australia being criticised?
According to the Guardian, the two host countries are being criticised for being partners in a coal supply chain while remaining near silent on the need for a global deal to rapidly move off coal, gas and oil.