A firm net-zero-by-2050 pledge will be enough to lift Australia’s global reputation in Glasgow even if Scott Morrison fails to convince Nationals to support a more substantial 2030 ambition, says Patrick Suckling, Australia’s former ambassador for the environment and lead 2015 Paris negotiator.

“If we go there with a net zero commitment that will be welcomed, particularly given the climate wars of the last 15 years,” said Mr Suckling, a former diplomat and senior partner at investment advisory Pollination Group.