503 Australian academics: stop coal approvals before COP31 climate talks
Over 500 Australian scientists urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to halt new coal and gas projects.
Australian academics from every state and territory sent an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday, days before COP31 starts in Antalya. The signatories say Australia cannot claim climate leadership while approving new and expanded fossil fuel projects.
The signatories include Climate Change Authority member Lesley Hughes, Climate Analytics founder Bill Hare, and veteran scientist David Karoly. The letter cites UN findings that more than 1.5C of global warming is now unavoidable.
It notes Australia ranks among OECD nations with the highest greenhouse gas emissions per person. Signatories called for a binding timetable to phase out coal, gas and oil.
They also want a ban on new projects including the Hunter Valley mine extensions. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen will chair the COP31 negotiations.
- 503 academics
- Signatories
- More than 1.5C
- Unavoidable warming
- Antalya, Turkey
- COP31 location
- Among OECD highest per capita
- Australian emissions ranking
Why it mattersAustralia's credibility on climate action depends on linking policy at home to its leadership role at global negotiations, experts say.
AustraliaThe letter puts direct pressure on the Albanese government as it decides whether to approve the Hunter Valley mine extensions and prepares to lead international climate talks.
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