Australia’s Energy Minister Chris Bowen said he will travel on Saturday (Nov 15) to Brazil for the COP30 climate summit, where he plans to campaign for Australia to host next year’s COP31. His visit comes as Australia remains locked in a stalemate with Turkey, its rival bidder since both countries submitted proposals in 2022 and neither has backed down. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in an effort to break the deadlock.

In a statement, Bowen said he would strongly champion Australia’s case and showcase the nation’s clean energy progress at the summit in Belem, located in the Amazon region. Australia hopes to host COP31 in partnership with Pacific island nations for the first time, emphasizing unity in addressing the “existential threat” of climate change. Bowen noted that Australia has much to lose from global warming, but that decisive action now can help avoid the worst consequences.

Australia’s bid is supported by the Pacific Islands Forum, a regional bloc of 18 nations, several of which face severe risks from rising sea levels. As the country positions itself as “a renewable energy superpower,” Australia is transitioning away from coal and gas while seeking investment in critical minerals, green steel, and technologies such as batteries.

Turkey, meanwhile, has argued for a COP conference that focuses more directly on climate financing for developing nations and highlights its own efforts to reach net-zero emissions by 2053. The COP gatherings—originally diplomatic meetings—have expanded into major global events where host nations can also promote economic opportunities tied to climate action.