Australia's Bowen confident on 2030 climate targets as COP bid stalls

Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the country is on track for its 43% emissions reduction and 82% renewable energy targets by 2030, per The Conversation. The government is also bidding to host the 2026 UN climate summit (COP31) but faces an opaque decision process against Turkey.

Bottom line — Bowen claims 23 of 28 UN Western Europe group countries back Australia's COP31 bid, but Turkey has not withdrawn.

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• Bowen told The Conversation Australia is 'by and large on track' for its 2030 targets, with renewable energy connections doubling in the last financial year.
• The opposition Coalition is reviewing its net-zero-by-2050 commitment, which Bowen called 'the basic bare minimum of action' and 'nowhere near enough'.
• On the COP31 bid, Bowen said the process is 'opaque' and relies on a consensus approach where the loser withdraws, but Turkey has not done so despite Australia having the votes.
• Bowen acknowledged 'social license issues' in regional communities over renewable projects but argued support is more nuanced than media portrayals.
• The government will announce its 2035 emissions target by September, per UNFCCC requirements, with the Climate Change Authority's advice still pending.

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