Australian Climate Leadership in 2026: COP-Out or Step-Up for Health?

The world is on the brink of tipping points for climate disaster and transformative action. Decisions taken now will shape the health of millions. So, will the Australian Government use its COP31 Presidency of Negotiations to prioritise the health of current and future generations and champion the end of fossil fuels? Despite recent positive shifts in some areas of climate policy, Australia's status as the world's third largest exporter of fossil fuels means strong pressure must be applied from the health professions to maximise political, social and economic progress towards a health-focussed transition to a sustainable society.