| Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) wish to advise members of important breaking developments emerging from COP30 in Brazil. Australia has withdrawn its bid to host COP31, clearing the way for Turkey to host the 2026 climate conference in Antalya. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen confirmed that an in-principle agreement reached at COP30 in Brazil would see Australia take on the COP31 presidency and lead global climate negotiations, while Turkey hosts the summit. A lead-up climate event will still be held in the Pacific, reflecting the region's heightened climate vulnerability.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the arrangement as "a big win", noting that Australia will effectively become the global negotiator on climate policy for the year leading up to and during COP31. He emphasised that this role allows Australia to prioritise issues critical to Pacific nations, stating that climate policy is central to "the very existence of countries like Tuvalu and Kiribati." Hosting COP31 was estimated to cost Australia over $1 billion dollars, another factor in the final decision.
Why this matters to Industry:
Australia assuming the presidency of COP31 places it at the centre of shaping future climate-related trade rules and supply chain standards, many of which will ultimately flow through to logistics, transport, and border operations.
This may include: - Stronger emissions reporting obligations
- Sustainability and environmental disclosure requirements
- Fuel transition policies affecting shipping and aviation
- Carbon border or low-emissions trade measures
- Decarbonisation expectations for ports, carriers, warehouses and 3PLs
Key developments from COP30: - G20 Emissions Targets (Greenpeace Analysis): Insufficient 2035 targets may accelerate the introduction of carbon-related trade measures, impacting import/export compliance.
- South Korea's Fossil Fuel Phase-Out: As a major Australian coal customer, South Korea's energy transition signals long-term structural changes in bulk commodity shipping and port logistics.
- Green Skills Gap (LinkedIn 2025 Report): Demand for green-skilled workers is growing twice as fast as available talent (8% vs 4%), signalling resourcing pressures for transport, warehousing, and compliance roles as sustainability requirements ramp up.
Australia's shift from host nation to COP31 president represents a strategic move that positions the country to influence climate and trade policy in a decade where regulatory, supply chain, and market transitions are accelerating.
FTA will continue to monitor developments as Australia prepares to take on the COP31 presidency and will keep members informed of any emerging implications for trade, supply chains and regulatory settings. Further updates will be provided as additional details become available. |