Australia to bid to host climate change conference COP 31

Australia will bid to host the world's biggest conference on climate change in 2026, the government has announced.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed the country will bid to host COP 31 in partnership with Pacific nations.

COP 31 is the shortened name for the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

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WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O'Gorman welcomed the announcement.

"This is an Olympic moment - a huge opportunity to host a nation-building global event," O'Gorman said.

"It will benefit all of Australia and our Pacific neighbours...

"If we're successful it will help catalyse climate action in Australia and revive our global reputation. The world will be better off if Australia steps up its ambition for greater climate action."

But winning the right to host the event won't be easy.

O'Gorman said Australia needed to take greater action on fossil fuel use to improve its global reputation.

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"We need to exit from fossil fuels on a set timeline and deliver on climate finance to support our Pacific neighbours, who have contributed the least to the climate emergency yet are experiencing the brunt of its impacts.

"Wealthy countries, including Australia, still haven't met their $100 billion pledge to help developing countries face climate change, and the risks are rising."

Yesterday Switzerland backtracked on their plan to bid for COP 31, pulling itself out of contention.

Bowen also announced it would be reinstating the position of ambassador for climate change, appointing Kristin Tilley in the role.

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Tilley will be part of Australia's delegation at this year's climate meeting – COP 27 – which begins in Egypt on Sunday.