Former South Australian premier Mike Rann has issued a stark warning about the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists at the upcoming COP31 summit, likening the gas industry’s tactics to those of the tobacco lobby. Speaking at the Dr Hugh Saddler Memorial Lecture in Adelaide, Rann highlighted the “battalions of lobbyists” poised to disrupt climate action at next year’s conference.
Rann’s comments come as Australia awaits a decision on whether Adelaide will host the United Nations’ major climate conference in 2026. The former premier criticized Australia’s dual stance on climate change, citing the country’s ongoing approval of coal mines and its significant investment in the gas industry, which is projected to continue beyond 2050. He expressed dismay at multinational gas companies profiting from Australian resources while contributing minimally in taxes.
Australia’s Climate Dilemma
Rann’s remarks underscore a broader debate about Australia’s climate policies. Despite federal efforts to secure COP31, the nation is embroiled in a diplomatic stalemate with Türkiye over hosting rights for the November 2026 event. A decision is anticipated at the COP30 summit currently taking place in Brazil.
Should Adelaide win the bid, the city could welcome over 30,000 international delegates. Rann emphasized the potential economic and global profile benefits for Adelaide, but cautioned that COP summits often yield “messy” climate outcomes with only incremental progress.
The Lobbyist Influence
Highlighting the pervasive influence of fossil fuel lobbyists, Rann referenced research from the global advocacy coalition Kick Big Polluters Out, which reported over 1,700 fossil fuel lobbyists attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. He warned that similar forces would aim to shape COP31’s outcomes.
“At a series of COPs, the fossil fuel lobby have fought hard to prevent the internationally-agreed text issued at the end of each conference from laying the blame for climate change on fossil fuels,” Rann said.
Rann urged the Albanese government to take decisive action by halting new coal mine approvals and clarifying its stance on gas as a transition fuel toward a Net Zero future.
Contrasting Views on Gas
While Rann refrained from criticizing the Malinauskas Labor government, his comments contrast with the current administration’s support for gas exploration, as evidenced by Premier Peter Malinauskas’ advocacy for the Narrabri gas field expansion in New South Wales.
During a Q&A session, Rann elaborated on the gas industry’s influence at COP conferences, describing their efforts to sway delegates with promises of future solutions like carbon capture and storage, a narrative he first encountered in 2004.
In response, Australian Energy Producers chief executive Samantha McCulloch defended the industry, asserting its significant tax contributions and the necessity of natural gas for energy stability and manufacturing.
“Without further natural gas exploration and development in Australia, the lights will go out and manufacturing will shut down,” McCulloch stated.
Adelaide’s Bid for COP31
As Adelaide’s potential hosting of COP31 hangs in the balance, Premier Malinauskas remains poised to advocate for the city’s case in Brazil, pending federal government advice. Both Australia and Türkiye are eager to host the summit, with Malinauskas expressing confidence in Adelaide’s readiness.
However, if no agreement is reached, the summit may default to the UN’s climate headquarters in Bonn, Germany. The COP30 summit in Brazil is set to conclude on November 21, potentially deciding Adelaide’s fate as a host city.
