New report: Australia-Türkiye coal trade worth 75 million tonnes of CO₂ puts spotlight on COP31 co-presidencies’ fossil fuel ties
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A new report released by 350.org ahead of the Pre-COP to the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference in Fiji reveals that Türkiye and Australia, the two countries leading the COP31 climate summit, are connected by a coal supply chain responsible for more than 75 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions since the Paris Agreement.
The report, which analyzed UN Comtrade data, also reveals that the two countries are not only retaining their bilateral coal ties, but also expanding fossil fuels by broadening their trade into LNG. 350.org warns that entrenched fossil fuel interests compromise Australia’s and Türkiye’s willingness to lead the transition away from fossil fuels despite COP31 happening amidst the biggest fossil fuel crisis in history.
The COP31 co-presidencies’ lack of action on phasing out fossil fuels is undermining the summit’s task to ensure progress in transitioning away from fossil fuels, which is critical as scientists warn of a 1.5C overshoot. The report displays concrete examples of Australia and Türkiye’s oversight of the need to transition away from fossil fuels. None of the official COP31 presidential communications, such as the letters to country delegations, nor the official Action Agenda, with its 10 priorities and 50 subpriorities, includes even a mention of fossil fuels.
Further key findings and highlighted analysis:
- Türkiye and Australia are among the very few industrialized countries (so-called Annex 1 countries) without a coal phase out date.
- Türkiye and Australia’s coal trade emitted roughly four times the entire annual CO₂ emissions of Ethiopia, the country set to host COP32 in 2027.
- Australia, the second largest coal exporter in the world, also dominates in global coal expansion. It accounts for 56% of the global coal mine project pipeline and has the highest oil and gas output increase rate among the top 15 oil and gas producers: 77% since 2015.
- Türkiye is Europe’s biggest coal-power generator, and its energy plan envisages roughly 30% more coal and gas power capacity by 2035.
Andreas Sieber, 350.org Head of Political Strategy said:
“As people are hit by soaring oil prices and horrible climate impacts, the presidencies of COP31 keep ignoring the core problem, fossil fuels. Our report exposes that Türkiye and Australia are bound together by a dirty coal trade whose emissions exceed those of many developing countries, while both continue to expand fossil fuels incompatible with the Paris Agreement they are tasked to shepherd. Prime Minister Albanese and President Erdoğan should start announcing overdue coal phase out dates at home. Both should also lay out a clear indication that COP31 will address the core problem behind climate breakdown and volatile energy bills: our dependence on fossil fuels.”
Fenton Lutunatabua, 350.org Pacific and Caribbean Manager said:
“Australia’s COP31 presidency bid relied heavily on support from Pacific nations. But to protect its coal and gas exports, Australia has consistently blocked calls for a Pacific-wide fossil fuel phase out. As lead of global climate negotiations, it is critical that they do not replicate what they have done in the region. The Pacific has always been clear: there’s no room for coal and gas expansion. Australia has been entrusted with a crucial position — it must now reward that with genuine climate action, starting with announcing a clear timeline for a coal phaseout. The Pacific can only embrace Australia’s leadership if it aligns with the science of keeping the 1.5C goal alive.”
Further displaying its entrenched interest in coal, the Australian government recently extended the operations of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA)’s Saraji coal mine by another 30 years, angering climate groups.
Meanwhile, Türkiye has recently proposed the expansion of the CENAL coal power plant in Karabiga, Çanakkale, which would add 1,050 MW of new coal capacity to an existing 1,320 MW plant and lock in further dependence on imported coal.
Efe Baysal, 350.org Türkiye Manager said:
“By hosting COP31, Türkiye has a chance – and a duty – to show that climate leadership starts at home. But Türkiye still generates more coal power than any other country in Europe, with no phase-out date in sight. Recent growth in wind and solar power shows the country can move in a better direction to strengthen energy security and shield families from fossil fuel price shocks. COP31 gives Türkiye a platform to build on that progress. It must now act to stop new coal projects, set a clear date to phase out coal, and lay out a credible national plan to leave fossil fuels behind.”
350.org calls on both COP31 presidencies, Türkiye and Australia, to announce national plans to transition away from fossil fuels, including coal phase out dates.
350.org also says that the COP31 must:
- Build equitable transition roadmaps: Governments should commit to and develop roadmaps at the national and regional levels for a transition away from fossil fuels that ensures equity, energy security, and affordability.
- Make fossil fuel phaseout real: COP31 should shift from commitment to implementation. Despite a difficult negotiating environment, governments should reinforce existing commitments, strengthen accountability, and prevent backsliding on the energy transition.
- Put finance at the center: Wealthy, high-emitting nations must provide adequate, grant-based climate finance to countries least responsible for the crisis.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kim Bryan, [email protected]
