Updated

Australia, which holds the chief negotiator role at the COP31 UN climate conference in Turkey, faces pressure to push for a path away from coal, oil and gas, Deutsche Welle reported on 10 November 2026. Deutsche Welle reported that campaigners and analysts say Australia, the world's third-largest fossil fuel exporter, has not committed to phasing out fossil fuels, unlike France and Germany. Critics including Greenpeace Australia Pacific and Climate Analytics said Australia's vague transition promise does not go far enough, and that continued approval of coal, oil and gas projects, including 38 approved since the Albanese government took power, undercuts its clean energy record. Deutsche Welle also reported that the role requires Australia to protect Pacific neighbours facing rising seas and high fossil fuel import costs, and that Australia has promised to elevate the views of small Pacific nations. Environmental group 350.org urged Australia to announce a coal phaseout date at the conference. The Climate Analytics report cited by Deutsche Welle sets out a pathway ending coal power by 2034 and renewables supplying almost all electricity by 2040, which the outlet presented as one option rather than a government plan. The report gave no details of specific negotiating positions or proposals Australia plans to table. UN News separately reported on the second day of COP31 in Antalya, where a roadmap on moving away from fossil fuels was presented, but the source does not link it to Australia's negotiating position.