ANTALYA, Türkiye, Tuesday 10 November 2026 — Following the launch of the Brazil COP30 Presidency Roadmap which saw a rousing address by outgoing United Nations climate chief Antonio Guterres, who spoke alongside former COP Presidents and John Kerry, Greenpeace Australia Pacific is calling on the Australian government to step up and deliver a concrete national roadmap away from fossil fuels.
UN Secretary General Guterres urged all countries to build concrete national roadmaps for transitioning away from fossil fuels that are aligned with science and with clear timelines and responsibilities. He urged greater cooperation between fossil fuel importing and exporting countries and said that by 2028, every country should be able to show what it has done to cut fossil fuel use of production, and outline what it will do next.
In addition to encouraging all countries to develop national plans, he encouraged the COP31 Presidency of Australia and Türkiye, and future presidencies, to carry forward the work of Brazil in driving the global transition away from fossil fuels.
Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: “The success of COP31 will be judged by whether it delivers real action and momentum to phase out fossil fuels. The Pacific and the world need concrete dates and credible plans to deliver roadmaps away from fossil fuels based on the best available science, and a commitment to put people, energy security and the planet ahead of fossil fuel interests.
“Brazil’s determination to push on despite resistance from a handful of fossil fuel producers can be a lesson for Australia as it takes the reins of negotiations. Australia must pick up the baton from Brazil, and lead by example with its own national roadmap away from fossil fuels, including exports.
“Minister Bowen urged us to “show the world that multilateralism works.” He acknowledged the science of overshooting 1.5°C, the non-negotiable survival line for Pacific communities, and the urgent need to return as quickly as possible to reduce the duration and severity of harm. Yet the Australian government continues to greenlight coal and gas, including 38 approvals since it took office in 2022.
“Our planet is on the brink. Communities bearing the brunt of climate disasters and soaring cost of living do not need another meeting where leaders tell us that change is coming — we need leaders that will show us when it will happen, and how it will happen fairly.
“Australia cannot champion the survival of the Pacific while simultaneously exporting our destruction. Australia must step up and deliver practical policies, not paper pledges.”
ENDS
COP31 images and video available here in Greenpeace Media Library
Media contact: Kate O’Callaghan in Antalya (GMT+3) on +61 406 231 892 (Whatsapp/Signal)
