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Australia's Bowen Pushes Hard Line at COP31 Summit

1/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Chris Bowen, Australia’s climate change and energy minister, and COP31 negotiator, aims to engage major emitters such as Saudi Arabia.
He says a hard-nosed approach is needed to overcome resistance at UN summits.
He seeks a meaningful step forward from prior agreements, notably phasing out fossil fuels.
Despite hosting setbacks for COP31, the summit remains a significant opportunity for Australia and its 2035 emissions targets.

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Story summary

Chris Bowen, Australia’s climate change and energy minister, and COP31 negotiator, aims to engage major emitters such as Saudi Arabia.
He says a hard-nosed approach is needed to overcome resistance at UN summits.
He seeks a meaningful step forward from prior agreements, notably phasing out fossil fuels.
Despite hosting setbacks for COP31, the summit remains a significant opportunity for Australia and its 2035 emissions targets.