Australia rules out Turkey’s co host plan for COP31 – Firstpost

Australia has formally rejected Turkey’s offer to co-host next year’s UN climate summit, confirming its bid to have Adelaide serve as the venue. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the decision on Monday, saying co-hosting does not fall under the rules of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He said the option had already been ruled out and all parties were aware of the limitations set by the framework.

Australia and Turkey are both committed to securing COP31, creating a hurdle in ongoing talks, where Brazil wants to demonstrate that climate diplomacy can still make progress. Pressure is growing on both countries to resolve the standoff and avoid an unscheduled confrontation in Belem, located in the Amazon rainforest. A Turkish diplomatic source told AFP on Sunday that Ankara still supports the co-presidential system.

The host country must be chosen unanimously, meaning that unless one of the two countries backs out or they unexpectedly agree to share responsibilities, both Australia and Turkey risk losing the opportunity. In such a case, the hosting rights would automatically go to Germany, which would not be a precedent for COP meetings.

Australia’s climate credentials come under scrutiny

Australia’s bid aims to bring the summit to Adelaide jointly with its Pacific island neighbours, to highlight a region already severely affected by climate change. However, the campaign also focuses on Australia’s environmental record, particularly its historical reliance on fossil fuel exports and its long-standing political challenges around climate action. If successful, the Adelaide proposal would make it the first COP held in the Pacific region.