‘New hope’ for climate after COP summit wraps up
Australia has signed a global plan to phase out fossil fuels and recommitted to the Paris climate accord in defiance of US President Donald Trump.
While polluting fuels that trigger global warming were not mentioned in the final agreement signed at the United Nations climate summit held in Brazil, Australia joined a separate statement at the last minute and pledged to move away from fossil fuels.
The federal government joined more than 80 countries in signing the Belém Declaration, which calls for a roadmap to end the world’s use of fuels such as coal and gas.
Greenpeace Chief Executive David Ritter, who attended the conference in Belém, said the agreement offered “great new hope”.
“By signing the Belém Declaration, a large number of nations recognized that the legally binding international commitment to limit warming to 1.5 degrees means no new fossil fuels,” he said in a statement.
At the end of the COP30 conference, more details were revealed about how Australia will host COP31 with Türkiye next year.
After months of diplomatic stalemate, Australia transferred hosting rights to the Turkish resort of Antalya last week, but Energy Minister Chris Bowen will chair the talks.
A statement reveals Mr Bowen will be responsible for holding consultations and meetings next year and preparing draft agreements ahead of the two-week summit.
The prime minister, foreign secretary and energy minister said in a joint statement that Mr Bowen would have “exclusive authority” over the negotiations.
The Australian opposition has criticized Mr Bowen’s joint role as energy minister and negotiating chairman, but Trade Minister Don Farrell said he was the “perfect candidate” for the COP position.
“It’s a good thing for Australia to have Chris leading the international assessment of how we get to net zero,” he told Sky News on Sunday.
The federal opposition, which has shifted its policy away from supporting renewables and campaigned for cheaper energy, harshly criticized the appointment, claiming it would make Mr Bowen a part-time minister.
“He wants to be on the international stage, he wants to chatter and negotiate at climate conferences,” Senator James Paterson told Sky News.
“If that’s Chris Bowen’s priority, then let’s get a real energy minister who focuses on Australians and lowers energy prices.”
As world leaders gather in South Africa for the G20 summit, Anthony Albanese also signed a declaration recommitting Australia to the Paris climate agreement, which includes a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
US President Donald Trump withdrew from the landmark agreement and a senior White House official described the G20 declaration as “shameful”, according to Reuters.
Mr. Trump boycotted the meeting over debunked allegations of oppression of white South African farmers.
Participants also agreed that rich countries should do more to help developing countries transition away from fossil fuels and supported a push to triple the world’s renewable energy capacity.
Mr Albanese said it was good that the conference had reached a final declaration.
“There is overwhelming support for action on climate change,” he told reporters in Johannesburg.
“People are aware that the increase in extreme weather events, the impact of climate change, is here right now.”
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