Will Australia push for fossil fuel exit at UN talks?

Australia faces pressure to use its role leading negotiations at COP31 to build support for moving away from coal, oil and gas, while protecting Pacific neighbours threatened by rising sea levels. The debate matters because Australia promotes renewable energy and emissions cuts but remains a major fossil fuel exporter and has not set a phaseout commitment.

Australia is the world’s third-largest fossil fuel exporter, and 350.org says 56% of coal mine projects in the global pipeline are in the country. Fossil fuel exports accounted for about 80% of Australia’s carbon footprint in 2022, equivalent to nearly 5% of global emissions; meanwhile, some Pacific neighbours spend up to a quarter of GDP on fossil fuel imports. Critics also point to 38 coal, oil and gas projects approved, expanded or extended under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government.