Pacific voices needed as Australia seeks climate summit
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is set to visit the region for talks with leaders in Tuvalu, Palau, Samoa and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
He is trying to progress talks on Australia and the Pacific's joint bid to host the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP31.
The discussions are expected to look at ways to amplify the voices of Pacific nations, which are highly exposed to the impacts of climate change.
"Pacific island countries have been global leaders in the fight on climate change for decades," Climate Council fellow and former Oxfam Pacific policy advisor Wesley Morgan told AAP.
"Right now, we need that moral leadership.
"We need to hear the Pacific's voice on the global stage explaining the urgency of shifting away from fossil fuels to ensure the survival of Pacific island nations."
The joint bid is facing a challenge from Turkey to host the summit.
But Australia and the Pacific had more support from countries in their UN grouping, Dr Morgan said, and were likely to strike a deal with Turkey some time before the UN General Assembly in September.
This could include offering support for Turkey's bids for other diplomatic positions in the UN or offering it a role in the COP talks.
"Australia and the Pacific are in the box seat to host the UN climate talks," Dr Morgan said.
"Australia has a really positive story to tell. We are a world leader in terms of the transition away from coal, oil and gas ... the Pacific have led the global discussion for a generation.
"We can sell a message together to the world as a region that is shifting to clean energy."
However, tensions remained over Australia's climate action, Dr Morgan said.
While the federal government is transitioning towards more renewable sources, Australia remains a significant exporter of fossil fuels.
It is facing pressure from Pacific Island nations to end the approval of new coal and gas projects .
Hosting COP31 could give Australia the opportunity it needs to export clean commodities such as green iron and hydrogen as the event can attract investment.
Mr Bowen will also use his trip to visit energy infrastructure projects such as Palau's 15MW solar farm and meet with industry leaders.
"I look forward to deepening our co-operation with Pacific neighbours; not only to build a fairer, cleaner energy future, but to bring COP31 home for our region in 2026," he said.
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