Australia and Pacific Leaders Set Climate Agenda Ahead of COP31 in Turkey

With 2026 on track for more record heat, Australia and Pacific nations are holding pre-COP31 climate meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu. The talks are meant to sharpen priorities before the main UN climate summit in Antalya, Turkey, and give small island states a stronger voice on rising seas and loss and damage finance. Key agenda items include implementing existing Paris Agreement pledges, closing the gap between policy and temperature goals, and settling who pays for a just transition away from fossil fuels. Australia will lead negotiations while Turkey handles procedural rules, an unusual split that could slow decisions if the two disagree. The meetings also highlight a 35% electrification target by 2035, though progress will depend on finance delivery and actual project buildout.