Australia is a mess. Cop31 is a chance to redefine ourselves from climate laggard to global leader | Anna Cerneaz

As the world grapples with the climate crisis, Australia stands at a crossroads. Our bid to co-host the UN’s climate conference, Cop31, with Pacific nations is not just a diplomatic event; it is a pivotal opportunity to redefine our nation’s role in the global fight against climate change. This could mark a shift, propelling Australia from climate laggard to leader on the world stage. With the Cop presidency, we would be at the centre of international climate negotiations, shouldering the responsibility to provide the infrastructure and visionary leadership needed to drive meaningful progress. The stakes are high, but so too are the potential rewards for our nation and the planet.

For years, Australia has been held back from meaningful climate action by the powerful influence of the fossil fuel lobby. This industry has shaped policies and public opinion, prioritising short-term profits over long-term sustainability. Their grip on our political landscape has delayed the transition to cleaner energy and put us on a dangerous path that threatens the security of our communities, our environment and our economy. Now, as the cost of living skyrockets and climate impacts escalate, we’re facing the consequences of that inaction.

Australia urgently needs to reduce emissions and restore its biodiversity – demands echoed by the vast majority of our citizens. Decarbonising now isn’t just about the planet – it’s about protecting our livelihoods, our families, and our future. The longer we delay, the greater the cost. Yet, successive governments have fallen short.

Australia exports a lot of emissions – it is the world’s third largest fossil fuel exporter, behind Russia and the US. Hard coal production has grown from 348m tonnes in 2010-2011 to 420m tonnes in 2020-2021. Natural gas production has seen even more dramatic increases, growing by an average of 11.2% a year over the last decade.

We are also doing poorly at home. Australia is – and is on track to remain – the highest per capita emitter of CO2 among ‘developed’ countries. Our country is facing a deforestation crisis, with an area equivalent to the Melbourne Cricket Ground being destroyed every 86 seconds. We are first in the world for mammal extinction and second for biodiversity loss. The federal government could end native forest logging tomorrow.

Bottom line – we are a mess and we need help.

To clean this mess up, our government must overcome deep-rooted challenges: a colonial extractivist mentality and a powerful fossil fuel lobby. No government to date has been able to surmount these psychological and political barriers.

Holding Cop31 in Australia, in conjunction with the Pacific, will invite the rest of the world to our country. Most will come with an ambition to transition to clean, renewable energy in order to safeguard the lives, homes and livelihoods of people worldwide. Used well, this demonstration of genuine commitment to secure a safe climate could provide our government with the political will and personal strength they will need to stand up to the fossil fuel industry. This global spotlight could catalyse a national awakening, helping us shed our fears about ending fossil fuel dependence and embrace a prosperous, clean energy future.

For years, Pacific nations have been at the forefront of global climate action, securing key commitments in international agreements. It was Pacific Island nations that secured a commitment to keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees in the 2015 Paris agreement. They were instrumental in establishing a five-year cycle for nationally determined contributions. Pacific Island nations were central to the creation of a loss and damage fund at Cop27 in Egypt. Last year at Cop28, they influenced the first text to at least name fossil fuels directly.

Cop31 offers these nations a platform in their own region, potentially strengthening their already significant influence. And I am excited by the prospect.

This event presents a unique opportunity to showcase our region’s challenges and amplify the voices of Pacific island nations and Australian First Nations peoples. It is a moment to galvanise public engagement on climate issues.

Cop31 could be a defining moment in our nation’s history – a turning point where Australia can embrace its climate potential and chart a new course. The time for bold action is now, and Cop31 could propel us towards a more sustainable and just future.