Electrification the focus for COP31
The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) opened in Antalya, Türkiye on 9 November 2026 with almost 70,000 registered to attend.
Co-hosted by Australia, this year’s COP has a main focus on electrification to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said with Australia hosting this year, there’s a significant opportunity to make a real difference.
“COP31 is the chance for world leaders to drive action for a safer energy future where we rely on homegrown renewable power, rather than volatile and polluting fossil fuels,” McKenzie said. “Australia has a box seat to influence positive change from our position as leading the negotiations.”
Australia’s initial bid to co-host the event was built on elevating the voices of the climate-vulnerable Pacific and leading the charge on climate action, according to Oxfam Australia’s Policy and Advocate Lead Josie Lee.
Therefore, Lee said, the “world is watching to see if Australia can deliver”.
“Australia must shift its funding priorities away from the polluting forms of energy and towards securing a safe climate and more equal future for all,” Lee said. “It must lead by example by providing their fair share of the agreed global goal on climate finance for developing countries and taking greater action at home.”
Fears are looming that the world will heat above the agreed 1.5°C temperature goal, and as Australia is a major coal and gas exporter, the Albanese government will among those faced with some tough climate decisions.
“Domestically, we have made significant strides on ramping up renewables and the global ‘35 by 35’ electrification goal is welcome and necessary,” said Dr Simon Bradshaw, COP31 Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific. “But electrification must end fossil fuel dependence, not be an end in itself — its ultimate success depends on ensuring electricity comes from renewable sources that displace fossil fuels and align with a 1.5°C pathway.”
The COP31 conference will take place over two weeks in Antalya, with the agenda quickly agreed upon by all parties.
Read our wrap-up on last year’s conference (COP30) here.
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