World to COP a hint of our Bowen-fuelled energy poverty

Whose interests will Energy Minister Chris Bowen be representing in his new COP role (“Keystone COP sets off on a power trip”, 21/11)? At previous conferences he made clear his opposition to fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Yet our economy and future prosperity rely on the export income of our coal, gas and uranium.

Despite this abundance we have households in energy poverty, power prices among the world’s highest and uncompetitive trade-exposed industries.

Bowen’s trademark chutzpah will be needed when lecturing the world about his renewables transition, on the way to global superpower status.

The irony is compounded by his promotion at a time when the COP host country, Turkey, is building three nuclear plants, the first coming online next year, with small modular reactors on order too.

How will he negotiate with countries wanting nuclear in their energy mix when he is steadfast in maintaining a nuclear ban at home? Bowen’s failure to secure a social licence for his renewables transition doesn’t augur well for his future negotiating role on the world stage. The unfolding conflicts of interest will be intriguing as he manages these dual responsibilities.

Jennie George, Mollymook, NSW

Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen will certainly have his work cut out for him in 2026. Australia is the second-biggest exporter of fossil fuel-generated climate pollution, behind only Russia.

In this context, supporting Pacific nations and navigating international climate negotiations will be very challenging indeed.

Isabelle Henry, Ascot Vale, Vic

Every cash-strapped Australian should be delighted Australia was denied its bid to host the sunk cost fallacy of COP31.

Hot on the heels of the voice defeat, hosting COP31 would have showcased the economic basket case Australia has become with the government’s renewables obsessions. South Australia should be particularly relieved we lost COP31 as the embarrassment of a major power disruption during the festivities could have been counter-productive.

As a consolation prize, Climate Minister Chris Bowen will become COP31 president of negotiations for a whole year.

The question is: How can Bowen be a minister in Australia and moonlight for the world’s climate glitterati at the same time?

Lynda Morrison, Bicton, WA

A tug of war between Australia and Turkey, over COP31 staging rights, has finally resulted in Australia pulling out. Climate activists say this is a missed opportunity. They claim it would have supercharged the country’s renewable energy industry, no doubt with yet more subsidies, notwithstanding the $1bn cost of staging the event.

Chris Bowen still plans a smaller, taxpayer-funded pre-COP event in the Pacific but, fortunately, his failure means less debt will be added to the pile.

Graham Pinn, Maroochydore, Qld

Regarding Australia’s newly minted COP president of negotiations, who will foot the heftier-than-normal bill for his international travel over the next 12 months? The UN (and thus Australian taxpayers indirectly and modestly), or Australia (and thus Australian taxpayers directly and totally)? Perhaps the PM could let us know?

Ramesh Thakur, Ocean Shores, NSW

Australia sent Chris Bowen and a huge number of delegates to the COP climate fest in Brazil with high hopes of securing COP31 for Adelaide in 2026.

They will all be coming home empty-handed, except for the inevitable COP30 T-shirts and caps, and our Prime Minister still thinks Bowen has done a wonderful job.

The cynics among us would say our government’s posturing was to grandstand to our Pacific neighbours. It looks like it really didn’t want to spend $1bn or so, in the first place. More importantly, Albo would have much preferred that Bowen carry the can for the embarrassment. Most Australians are no doubt relieved and perhaps the money saved could go to save some jobs at the CSIRO.

Chris Jay, Kent Town, SA

It is wonderful that Chris Bowen has got a part-time gig overseas. Hopefully it will lead to a full-time position somewhere far away from Australia.

Bill Kaye, Carindale, Qld