The decision on who will host COP31 has been deferred until next June. But whether or not Australia ends up winning the bid, the world's third-largest fossil fuel exporter needs to develop a plan to phase out its coal and gas production.
As the world’s biggest climate conference nears in Azerbaijan, observers say little should be expected from a host country that has questionable environmental and human rights credentials. But the talks should not be written off as negotiators work on a deal to compensate climate-vulnerable countries.