Australia joined over 30 countries at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin from 21 to 22 April. Representatives of the European Union, United Nations and other international organisations also attended.
Germany hosted the meeting with incoming Turkish COP31 Presidency and Australia. It was the first ministerial climate meeting since COP30 in Brazil. It was also the first since the global energy security crisis began.
Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen is President of Negotiations for COP31. He opened the dialogue virtually alongside Minister Carsten Schneider (Germany), Minister Murat Kurum (Türkiye) and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell.
Ministers called for investment in clean energy to support energy security. They pushed for stronger cooperation and faster progress to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
The dialogue built momentum towards COP31, the next UN Climate Change Conference in Antalya. Ministers and senior representatives focused on turning commitments into action.
Australia called for more countries to submit national emissions targets. We also asked countries to set clear plans to adapt to climate impacts and report on their progress openly.
There was a strong focus on:
- moving to clean energy faster
- increasing finance and investment
- making it easier for vulnerable countries to access funding
- building climate resilience, especially in regions like the Pacific.
Australia shared its energy transition progress. One in three homes now has rooftop solar. Renewables supply more than half of Australia's electricity. This puts us on track to reach 82% by 2030.
The dialogue was also a chance to highlight our strong partnership with Türkiye and Pacific nations. We are working together to deliver COP31 and the Pre-COP and leaders' events in Fiji and Tuvalu.
The Pre-COP meetings and leaders' events will be held from 5 to 9 October. COP31 will be held in Antalya, Türkiye from 9 to 20 November.
Together, we have a shared commitment and a shared approach to global climate action.
