‘Even a snail would agree’: Greta Thunberg slams Australia’s net zero pace

Detailed summary

Her appearance on the sidelines of COP31 in Turkey attracted more than 100 reporters and supporters, and she was escorted out by several security guards.

Antalya, Turkey: Energy Minister Chris Bowen has described his department’s $32,000 budget for coffee at this year’s global climate conference as “great public diplomacy” as Labor points to its efforts to secure support for Australia’s Pacific neighbours on the world stage as money well spent.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also defended himself against criticism from Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who compared the country’s pace of action on climate change to that of a snail, on the sidelines of COP31 on Thursday.

The Albanese government has copped flak from both sides of the climate debate as it takes on a leading role at global talks in Antalya: it is facing demands to push harder on fossil fuels in Turkey, while political opponents at home have blasted the $150 million spent on the conference.

Australia’s participation in this year’s COP has been met with heightened scrutiny due to Bowen’s unique role as president of negotiations – a position he secured last year after Australia lost its bid to host the event in Adelaide.

Albanese and Bowen sought to navigate a middle path through the debate on Thursday as they stood with Pacific climate ministers to encourage private investors and other countries to pour $500 million into a climate resilience fund for Pacific nations.

The prime minister said progress on economic support and development aid for the Pacific boosted Australia’s national security interests and justified its investment in this year’s talks.

“The issue of climate change is an issue of protecting … the global environment. It’s also about Australia’s national interest,” Albanese said.

“A few years ago you wouldn’t have always seen Pacific leaders standing with Australia with one voice, speaking about the Pacific family, working together in such a co-operative way. I’m really proud of what we have done.”

Businessman Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation became the first philanthropist to contribute to the Pacific fund on Thursday, with a $7.25…

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