Environment & Climate
Australia and Turkey face scrutiny over coal ties ahead of Cop31 summit
The Guardian reports that Cop31 hosts face criticism for maintaining fossil-fuel partnerships without setting phase-out targets.
The short version
- Australia and Turkey face mounting criticism from climate groups and Pacific leaders over their ongoing coal partnerships ahead of co-hosting the Cop31 climate summit.[The Guardian]
- A New South Wales regulator approved a major expansion of the Hunter Valley Operations coalmine, which still requires federal government clearance.[The Guardian]
- Advocates and regional representatives warn that continuing fossil-fuel exports and omitting transition targets from official summit communications undermines leadership at upcoming talks.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Australia and Turkey are jointly hosting the upcoming Cop31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkey.[The Guardian]
- A New South Wales regulator approved the largest coalmine expansion in state history for the Hunter Valley Operations mine, which owners estimate could produce 809 million tonnes of CO₂ over a 19-year extension if federally approved.[The Guardian]
- A report by 350.org using UN Comtrade data found that Australian coal shipments to Turkey accounted for more than 75 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions since 2015.[The Guardian]
- Three letters outlining the mission and expectations for Cop31, including a joint letter from both hosts, made no mention of fossil fuels.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unconfirmed whether Australian federal regulators will approve the 19-year life extension for the Hunter Valley Operations thermal coalmine.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.