SYDNEY/BELÉM, BRAZIL, Wednesday 19 November 2025 — As Türkiye is confirmed as the COP31 host, Greenpeace Australia Pacific has urged the Australian government to show leadership and use its role to drive the phase out of fossil fuels.
Türkiye and Australia had been competing to host the COP31 climate talks in 2026, with the decision coming down to the wire at the COP30 summit in Belém. Türkiye has been confirmed as host, with Australia salvaging the position of negotiations President — a highly unusual arrangement.
Speaking from Belém, David Ritter, CEO at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “Whatever the forum, whoever the President, the urgency and focus cannot change, and phasing out fossil fuels and ending deforestation must be at the core of the COP31 agenda.
“Prime Minister Albanese and his government are not fighting hard enough for our future. Here in Belém, Australia was a notable absentee from the press conference calling for a road map to end fossil fuels. Australia should clearly and unequivocally commit to supporting Pacific demands for a phase out of fossil fuels and to do everything possible to limit warming to 1.5°C.
“The Australia government’s moral and legal obligations to its own citizens, to the Pacific, and to global efforts to slash climate pollution remain unchanged. There is still a global spotlight on Anthony Albanese because Australia is the third-largest fossil fuel exporter in the world, one of the highest-emitting countries and a global deforestation hotspot. All of this is hopelessly inconsistent with the future safety and security of both the Australian people and Pacific communities.
“Australia has the global responsibility as COP31 President to show the kind of leadership for the world that is being demanded by Pacific nations . As over 80 countries have already made clear at COP30 in Bélem, there needs to be a rapid global phase out of fossil fuels and a clear roadmap to do so.
“The Albanese government must end approvals for new coal and gas projects, and deliver a clear national plan and timeline for the managed phase-out of all fossil fuels, including exports.
“The world’s political leaders have a sacred duty to limit warming to the 1.5°C temperature goal, agreed under the Paris Agreement 10 years ago. Any delay will be measured in the accelerating loss of human life and the destruction of the natural world. The obligation to act is clear. What matters is the action we take now.”
Also in Belém, Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “While it is disappointing that Australia’s bid for hosting the Pacific COP31 was unsuccessful, the Pacific’s fight for survival does not rise or fall on a single hosting decision. For us, climate action has never been about prestige — it is about protecting and preserving our homelands, our cultures, and our future with dignity and humility.
“Hosting COP in our region would have built on the foundations of strong, ambitious Pacific leadership — but our commitment does not waver because of a lost bid.
“Science is crystal clear: to keep 1.5°C alive, the world must rapidly and equitably phase out fossil fuels. No exceptions. No delays. And those who have profited from polluting must finally pay their fair share for the loss and damage our communities are living with every day.
“The Pacific has carried the moral compass of the climate movement for decades, and we will continue to push global powers to rise to the moment. Our islands may be small, but our resolve is immense.
“We will keep fighting — in every space we can, no matter where the COP is — for a safe, just and livable future for all. This fight does not start and end at COPs, it starts in our communities and ends in the hearts of justice.”
-ENDS-
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