Albanese Defends Australia's Climate Leadership at COP31
The Prime Minister addressed the COP31 leaders summit in Antalya, Turkey, as UN chief António Guterres pressed for a firmer agenda on fossil fuels.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in International Relations
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended Australia's climate leadership at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkey. UN Secretary-General António Guterres pressed Australia and host Turkey to adopt a more ambitious agenda on fossil fuels.
Why it matters
Guterres said fossil fuels must go the way of the dinosaurs, setting up a contest over how far the conference will move beyond existing commitments. Organisers hope a focus on electrification will sidestep a bitter fight at this year's talks.
Organisers called on more than 190 nations to accelerate electrification rather than focus on fossil fuels. The extraction does not report whether any country has committed to a specific electrification target.
The players
Anthony Albanese
Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia, leading the country's delegation at the conference.
António Guterres
António Guterres is the outgoing UN Secretary-General, who has pressed for faster action to phase out fossil fuels.
Murat Kurum
Murat Kurum is the Turkish Climate Minister serving as COP31 president.
Chris Bowen
Chris Bowen is Australia's Energy Minister, who is presiding over negotiations at the conference.
The details
Albanese addressed the opening ceremony of the COP leaders summit on Thursday, 12 November. Murat Kurum, the COP31 president and Turkish Climate Minister, and Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen are presiding over negotiations in Antalya.
Timeline
Thursday, 12 November: Albanese addresses the COP leaders summit opening ceremony.
Big Picture
The COP31 push for electrification builds on the Paris Agreement's framework for limiting warming, shifting emphasis toward rapid electrification rather than a fight over fossil fuels. Australia's position will be tested against the more ambitious fossil fuel agenda urged by the UN Secretary-General.
Australian households and businesses will feel the outcome of the electrification agenda through future energy policy. The extraction does not specify any immediate change to prices or rules for consumers.
The takeaway
Commitments made at COP31 on electrification will shape Australia's energy choices in the years ahead. Watch whether the agreed language on fossil fuels hardens in the final negotiated text.
Further reading
For broader context on Australia's role abroad, see International Relations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Age.
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Should Australia do more to phase out fossil fuels?
