The Australian government has proposed that Australia host the 2026 UN Climate Conference, in 'partnership' with Pacific nations.

The authors of this paper argue that Australia cannot be considered a credible host for a COP31 while it continues to subsidise and approve fossil fuel expansion. Nor can Australia be considered a credible co-host if it ignores the requests of its prospective Pacific partners.

Awarding Australia hosting rights to COP31 in anticipation of it changing its ways risks rewarding it for decades of recalcitrance. Instead, Australia must change its ways first.