For the first time, the COP31 presidency is shared between two states, Turkey and Australia, as the summit opens this Monday in Antalya. This co-leadership places at the heart of negotiations two nations that, according to a Le Monde Planète report, remain among the most heavily dependent on coal, a major source of CO₂ emissions. The mere fact that these two countries hold the reins of the world's primary climate forum immediately creates a palpable tension between the demands of the international community and national economic interests.
Shared Presidency: Who Are the Actors and What Are the Stakes?
Turkey, situated at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East, has an energy mix where coal still represents a significant share of electricity generation. Australia, for its part, is the world's leading exporter of thermal coal, supplying numerous power plants abroad. Their role as co-presidents means they control the agenda, working groups, and the dynamics of negotiations, giving them considerable leverage to influence the summit's priority themes.
This dual presidency is seen as a test of the multilateral process's resilience in the face of sometimes contradictory national interests. Both countries have, until now, avoided openly addressing the issue of fossil fuels, preferring to focus on less contentious topics such as climate finance or forest protection. This strategy of "selective silence" could, however, limit the scope of agreements, particularly regarding commitments to reduce coal by 2030.
On the diplomatic front, the co-presidency also creates a negotiating dynamic where each country can play the role of mediator or blocker depending on the moment. Developing countries, which await concrete progress on green finance, are closely scrutinizing every Turkish and Australian statement. For their part, European economies, strongly committed to decarbonization, fear that their hosts' coal dependence may dilute the COP's ambitions.