This year’s annual United Nations climate conference known as COP28 will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Discussions at the summit are expected to focus on accelerating the switch toward clean energy sources and away from coal, oil and gas. Countries are expected to agree to the global goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. A growing number of countries will also call for a phase out of fossil fuels.

Many observers are cynical about the ability of a petrostate like UAE, as host of this year’s talks, to deliver an agreement to move rapidly away from coal, oil and gas. This is a challenge Australia shares, having put up its hand to host COP31 in 2026 in partnership with Pacific island countries.

As this briefing paper affirms, Australia is a major contributor to the climate crisis. While UAE has copped well-deserved criticism for its plans to increase oil exports, Australia is approving new coal and gas projects. Today, Australia exports almost three times as much fossil fuels as the UAE does. Dozens of new coal and gas projects are in the development pipeline.

To be a successful host of the UN climate talks in three years’ time, Australia will need to stop adding fuel to the fire by approving new fossil fuel projects, and must commit to a phase out of fossil fuels.