Ticker Views
Australia set to bid for COP29, despite lack of climate action
Australia is set to bid for the opportunity to host the COP29 climate conference, despite its lack of climate action recently
Australia’s opposition Labor party says it will bid to host the 2024 COP29 climate conference if they win the upcoming Federal Election.
They say it will be in partnership with the Pacific and Soloman Island Nations ‘if they want to.’
Australia has never hosted a United Nations climate conference but it could set them on the global stage as a leader in climate change action.
However, Australia has been dubbed a laggard on its climate change action and may not be equipped to host such a significant event.
“This is a real shift in Australia’s policy…For 30 years in the history of the United Nations Climate negotiations Australia hasn’t hosted a meeting… Instead it usually shys away from them”
richie merzian, the australia institute
Australia’s rocky relationship with the Solomon Islands will make the deal even more uncertain.
A recent security pact between China and the Solomon Islands has been finalised, meaning China will build a military base just Kilometres from Australia’s borders.
Australia has recently cristicised the Solomon Islands for its friendly ties to China and how that will negatively impact Australia’s national security.
Now the biggest question is do the Pacific, and the Solomon Islands, even want to partner with Australia at COP29?
“It’s a real opportunity for Australia to gear up it’s diplomacy, to demonstrate leadership of the global stage and hopefully shake of its reputation as a laggard on climate action”
richie merzian, the australia institute
Deadly heatwave
Climate change has reared its head more frequently over recent years, including wildfires, ravaging floods, and extreme weather events.
This comes as millions of people in India and Pakistan experience a brutal heat wave that has left hundreds dead.
The high temperatures have been surfacing for the last two months, with the Government unprepared to handle it.
The heatwave is causing wide sweeping water shortages, heat stroke, and power outages.
The region has reached its highest April temperatures in 122 years.
“Global warming means more extreme heatwaves, and longer heatwaves… It’s a sign of things to come.”
richie merzian, australia institute