Australia will not host the COP31 climate summit in 2026, conceding the rights to Turkey. Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the decision, stating that Turkey will host the event instead. This shift comes after prolonged negotiations between the two nations, with Australia initially pushing for the summit to take place in Adelaide. "Obviously, it would be great if Australia could have it all, but we can't have it. This process works on consensus, and consensus means if someone objected to a bid, it would go to Bonn," Bowen said. The decision to forgo hosting the summit is expected to save Australian taxpayers approximately $2 billion. The summit would have brought around 50,000 delegates to Adelaide for two weeks, raising concerns about government spending amid a cost-of-living crisis. Bowen indicated that negotiations are ongoing for a pre-COP meeting to be held in the Pacific, with the possibility of him being appointed as COP President for Negotiations. He emphasized the importance of having a leadership role in the negotiations, stating, "No COP president implies no plan. That would be irresponsible for multilateralism." Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud criticized the government's handling of the situation, calling it a "glorified attempt" to elevate the Prime Minister's profile on the world stage. He expressed concerns about the financial implications for taxpayers, especially during a time of economic strain. "This was nothing more than a glorified attempt to have some sort of stage created for Anthony Albanese to walk onto the world stage and be able to gratuitously say how good he is, all at the taxpayers’ expense," Littleproud said. Despite the setback, Treasurer Jim Chalmers affirmed that Australia would still play a significant role in climate discussions, regardless of the summit's location. "We are trying to get the best outcome here for the planet and for the global economy, and regardless of where it is held, we will continue to play a leadership role in that," he said. The Turkish embassy in Australia has stated that if COP31 is held in Antalya, the needs of Pacific nations will be considered. They highlighted the Mediterranean's vulnerability to climate change, noting it is warming faster than the global average. As the situation develops, Australian officials remain hopeful about future climate initiatives, even as they navigate the complexities of international negotiations. Adelaide's bid for the summit was supported by local officials, including Lord Mayor Dr. Jane Lomax-Smith, who recently returned from COP30 in Brazil, where she advocated for the city's hosting capabilities. "I have no doubt, if we are successful, we will have a fabulous COP," she said. The outcome of the negotiations will determine the future of Australia's involvement in the global climate agenda, as the nation seeks to balance its ambitions with the realities of international diplomacy.