Australia and Turkey are in a standoff over which country should host the 2026 UN climate summit, with both sides determined to win. The issue came to a head during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as Australia’s climate minister made a last-minute visit to Turkey in an attempt to reach a compromise, but Turkish officials refused to drop their bid.
Turkey’s deputy environment minister, Fatma Varank, argued that Turkey’s Mediterranean location would help reduce emissions from flights and emphasized its smaller oil and gas industry compared to Australia. Turkey also noted its energy reliance on fossil fuels, but at a lower level than Australia.
Australia, a major fossil fuel exporter, is transitioning to renewable energy and is pitching a “Pacific COP” to address climate issues affecting island nations. Pacific leaders support Australia’s bid but are urging the country to reduce fossil fuel use.
Turkey had previously withdrawn its bid to host COP26 in 2021, allowing the UK to host the summit. Varank expressed reluctance for Turkey to step aside again. Both countries now need unanimous support from the UN’s Western Europe and Others regional group.
The decision is still unresolved, and while there is no firm deadline, the host country is usually chosen years in advance to prepare for the summit.