Australia's coffee stall at climate summit costs $32,000 and draws queues
Energy Minister Chris Bowen defended Australia's A$32,000 coffee budget at COP31 in Turkey as Australian officials pushed a Pacific climate fund.
Australia has budgeted $32,000 for a coffee stall at this year's global climate conference in Antalya, Turkey. The pavilion is the only one with hour-long queues for lattes and flat whites.
Minister Bowen called it great public diplomacy. It is part of Australia's $150 million total COP31 investment.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg criticised Australia's pace on climate action. She said even a snail would move faster.
Prime Minister Albanese said Thunberg was entitled to her views. He pointed to Australia's 43 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030.
Australia is also leading efforts to secure $500 million for a Pacific climate resilience fund. Businessman Andrew Forrest's Minderoo Foundation has committed $7.25 million so far.
- A$32,000
- Coffee stall budget
- A$150 million
- Total COP31 investment
- 43 per cent reduction by 2030
- Australia's emissions target
Why it mattersOpposition critic Dan Tehan questioned Australia's spending on the coffee stall when Australians face rising living costs at home.
AustraliaAustralia is using its COP31 role to secure climate investment for Pacific nations, which affects Australia's standing with regional partners and national security interests.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 d ago
