The Mandarin, September 17 2024
New voices have joined calls for Australia to host the 2026 UN Climate Conference (COP31).
Hosting COP31 with Pacific nations has been government policy since 2022.
The bid has received international support this year, including from the US, the UK, Canada, France and Germany.
At the Better Futures Forum in Canberra last week, Brazilian climate diplomat Natalie Unterstell backed Australia to host COP31 too.
She said COP host countries experienced benefits beyond their contribution to international climate diplomacy.
“History shows us that presidencies and co-presidencies who find common ground and make the efforts to achieve a successful COP are rewarded,” she said.
“France secured the historic Paris Agreement in 2015. Egypt championed the first Loss and Damage Fund in 2022.
“These aren’t just diplomatic victories. They’re economic ones as well.”
This is backed by a new report by the Climate Council and the Smart Energy Council.
Winning Bid: The Pacific Partnership that Can Power Our Security and Prosperity highlights the potential economic benefits of hosting COP31.
Modelling in the report suggests the host city could receive $100 million-$210 million in direct economic benefit.
It says COP would provide “agenda-setting” opportunities for the government.
This includes an opportunity to pitch Australian climate solutions at the conference’s trade show.
Smart Energy Council International director Richie Merzian said it would deliver benefits immediately and into the future.
“Australia has everything it needs to become a renewable energy and critical minerals superpower,” he said.
“The best global platform to demonstrate this transition is through co-hosting COP31 in 2026.”
Unterstell said she wasn’t sure if Australia would host COP31 with pacific nations, but she had a “strong feeling” about it.
“Australia will have a crucial role to play in making sure Australia doesn’t drift from the targets we’ve set as a global community,” she said.
“I’ll be rooting for you,” she said.