Fossil fuel phase-out, climate funds top pre-COP agenda

Religious leaders from various faiths will embark on a campaign to urge Australia to phase out fossil fuels and provide greater support for Pacific nations. The initiative aims to coincide with pre-COP31 summit events in Fiji and Tuvalu, which are expected to gather thousands of participants. Religious leaders from Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, and other backgrounds will rally in locations across Australia, from Cairns to Perth, to show solidarity with Pacific nations.

The group, comprising climate and policy organizations, will deliver an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging him to advocate for a global fossil fuel treaty and the phase-out of coal, oil, and gas. Although Australia has made advances in cutting emissions domestically, the group stresses that the nation must also address fossil fuel exports to significantly impact global warming.

The event, attended by representatives from organizations such as Oxfam, Greenpeace, The Australia Institute, and ActionAid, will focus on climate finance, as the United Nations' loss and damage fund faces a shortfall and a Pacific climate fund has yet to achieve its $500 million target.