Australia and Turkey sidestep fossil fuel debate at COP31 climate summit

Fossil fuels were absent from the official agenda and key speeches at the COP31 climate summit co-hosted by Australia and Turkey, despite pressure from environmental groups and Pacific nations to address emissions. The omission has drawn criticism from Brazil and other attendees. The summit's headline goal is the "35-by-35" target to produce 35% of global energy from electricity by 2035, with other priorities on waste and building energy. Neither Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese nor Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan mentioned fossil fuels in their opening remarks, reflecting both nations' reliance on coal, oil, and gas. Australia is the world's third-largest fossil fuel exporter, while Turkey remains a major coal consumer. Brazil presented a global roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels during the summit, and Pacific nations have called for a concrete fossil fuel treaty, criticizing Australia's approval of new mining projects.