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COP31 hosts linked to 75m tonnes of coal emissions since Paris Agreement – 350.org – EnviroNews
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A new report by climate campaign group, 350.org, has raised concerns over the fossil fuel records of Türkiye and Australia, the two countries leading the COP31 climate summit, alleging that their bilateral coal trade has generated more than 75 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions since the adoption of the Paris Agreement.
The report, released ahead of the Pacific Pre-COP meeting in Fiji, analysed United Nations Comtrade data and found that Türkiye and Australia have maintained their coal trading relationship while expanding their fossil fuel ties into liquefied natural gas (LNG).
According to 350.org, the findings raise questions about the ability of the two COP31 presidencies to provide effective leadership on the transition away from fossil fuels at a time when the world is facing intensifying climate impacts and warnings over a potential overshoot of the 1.5°C temperature threshold.
The organisation noted that none of the official COP31 presidential communications, including letters to country delegations and the summit’s Action Agenda containing 10 priorities and 50 sub-priorities, explicitly mentions fossil fuels.
It said Türkiye and Australia are among the few industrialised countries without a stated coal phase-out date.
The report estimated that emissions associated with the two countries’ coal trade since the Paris Agreement were roughly four times Ethiopia’s entire annual CO₂ emissions. Ethiopia is scheduled to host COP32 in 2027.
Australia, according to the report, is the world’s second-largest coal exporter and accounts for 56 per cent of the global coal mine project pipeline.
The report also said Australia’s oil and gas output had increased by 77 per cent since 2015, the highest growth rate among the world’s 15 largest oil and gas producers.
Türkiye, meanwhile, was identified as Europe’s largest coal-power generator, while its energy plan reportedly envisages about 30 per cent more coal and gas power capacity by 2035.
The report comes as both countries prepare to play leading roles in the COP31 process, with Australia serving as President of Negotiations and Türkiye hosting the UN climate summit in Antalya.
Andreas Sieber, Head of Political Strategy at 350.org, accused the COP31 presidencies of failing to sufficiently address fossil fuel dependence.
“As people are hit by soaring oil prices and horrible climate impacts, the presidencies of COP31 keep ignoring the core problem, fossil fuels,” Sieber said.
He called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to announce coal phase-out dates and provide clear indications that COP31 would address fossil fuel dependence.
350.org Pacific and Caribbean Manager, Fenton Lutunatabua, said Australia’s COP31 leadership carried particular significance for Pacific island countries that have repeatedly called for an end to fossil fuel expansion.
He said Australia had received strong support from Pacific countries for its COP31 presidency bid but had also opposed calls for a Pacific-wide fossil fuel phase-out because of its coal and gas export interests.
“The Pacific has always been clear: there’s no room for coal and gas expansion,” Lutunatabua said, urging Australia to announce a clear coal phase-out timeline.
The report highlighted recent developments that it said demonstrated the continued expansion of fossil fuel interests in both countries.
In Australia, the government recently extended the operations of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s Saraji coal mine for another 30 years, a decision that has drawn criticism from climate campaigners.
In Türkiye, meanwhile, the proposed expansion of the CENAL coal power plant in Karabiga, Çanakkale, would add 1,050 megawatts of coal-fired capacity to an existing 1,320MW facility, according to the report.
Efe Baysal, 350.org Türkiye Manager, said the country’s COP31 hosting role presented an opportunity to demonstrate climate leadership through domestic action.
He noted that Türkiye continues to generate more coal power than any other country in Europe despite recent growth in wind and solar energy.
“COP31 gives Türkiye a platform to build on that progress. It must now act to stop new coal projects, set a clear date to phase out coal, and lay out a credible national plan to leave fossil fuels behind,” Baysal said.
350.org called on both COP31 presidencies to announce national plans for transitioning away from fossil fuels, including clear coal phase-out dates.
The organisation also urged governments to develop equitable national and regional transition roadmaps that address energy security and affordability while ensuring that communities are not left behind.
It called for COP31 to move from commitments to implementation by strengthening accountability, reinforcing existing energy-transition commitments and preventing backsliding.
The group further urged wealthy, high-emitting countries to place climate finance at the centre of the transition by providing adequate, grant-based financial support to developing countries that have contributed least to the climate crisis.
The report’s release comes ahead of the Pacific Pre-COP meeting, where ministers and delegates from more than 50 countries are expected to focus on keeping the 1.5°C goal within reach, accelerating the clean energy transition, strengthening climate resilience and mobilising finance for vulnerable countries.
With Australia and Türkiye occupying central roles in the COP31 process, 350.org said their domestic fossil fuel policies would be closely watched as countries prepare for the November climate summit in Antalya.
Full report available here.
