Opposition Leader Peter Dutton would withdraw Australia’s bid to co-host next year’s global climate summit if the Coalition wins the federal election. Australia has lobbied hard for the right to host the talks, known as COP31 , in conjunction with Pacific nations. Australia has emerged as a leading contender, and has the backing of most countries in its United Nations grouping, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada and New Zealand. However, Dutton on Sunday described the idea of hosting the UN climate conference as “ not something we are supporting — it is madness ”. He also falsely claimed it would cost Australia “tens of billions” of dollars to host the event. Australia would reap big benefits by hosting the high-profile global talks. It would likely attract considerable investment in renewables and clean energy export industries, and strengthen Australia’s national security during a time of increasing geo-strategic competition in the Pacific. To pull out now would be a costly move. Decison deferred until June The decision on who will host COP31 in 2026 was expected at last year’s summit in Azerbaijan. But it was deferred until June this year – after Australia’s next federal election. Hosting rights are shared between five UN country groupings on a rotational basis. The final decision is made by consensus. Australia’s bid to host with Pacific nations has considerable support . But Turkey, the only other country in the running to host COP31, has so far resisted lobbying efforts to persuade it to drop out. An economic boost for Australia Hosting the UN climate talks is a massive economic opportunity for Australia. COP31 would be one of the biggest diplomatic summits Australia has ever hosted. Tens of thousands of people could be expected for a fortnight of negotiations, with satellite events held across […]