Albanese urges COP31 leaders to back Pacific climate fund amid fossil fuel criticism
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged global leaders at the COP31 summit to prioritize Pacific climate action, facing criticism for omitting fossil fuels from his opening speech. He pleaded for support of the Pacific Resilience Facility. Albanese, leading negotiations at the two-day World Leaders Climate Action Summit, highlighted regional neighbours' plight, saying Australia sought the role to speak for those needing urgent action. Senator David Pocock criticized Albanese for not mentioning fossil fuels, citing approval of 38 projects since taking office. Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine warned new fossil fuel extraction threatens her nation's future, while outgoing UN chief António Guterres called for phasing out fossil fuels, stating the climate crisis is "outrunning us" and urging investment in renewables.