Albanese opts out, Close opts in, as global leaders join COP27 summit
As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces criticism for failing to attend the COP27 climate change summit, South Australia’s Deputy Premier Susan Close is among thousands of world leaders gathering in Egypt to discuss actions to tackle climate change.
Deputy Premier Susan Close. Photo: Jason Katsaras/InDaily
Federal Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is leading the Australian contingent at the conference where Close is today presenting at the Green Hydrogen event in the Blue Zone at the Australian Pavilion in Cairo. She is also meeting Quebec government representatives to discuss how South Australia is tackling climate change.
Close intends to spruik the state’s green credentials at the United Nations climate conference drawing some 40,000 delegates from around the world, and is also meeting government leaders from Scotland, California, Washington and British Columbia.
“The time for climate change action is now and it is incumbent upon us all to support businesses and the community to adapt and reduce emissions,” Close said.
“COP27 will allow South Australia to demonstrate to the world how we are addressing climate change through our continued leadership in renewable energy technology, which is now driving the state towards net zero emissions.”
Albanese copped criticism for not attending the two-week event, citing a busy agenda and saying the conference is about implementation rather than making commitments. The two-week conference has been attended by United States President Joe Biden along with leaders from the United Kingdom and France.
Close said South Australia is playing its part, transforming its energy system from having only one per cent renewable energy to more than 60 per cent renewables in 15 years.
The state met 100 per cent of its operational demand from renewable resources on 180 days during 2021.
Close also intends telling COP27 attendees about the state’s plan to build a hydrogen power plant and to promote a new international Net Zero Emissions Policy Forum. South Australia is a founding member with New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, in a collaboration designed to help address the practical challenges of achieving net zero emissions.
She is meeting with a number of MPs and dignitaries to discuss net-zero emissions and share best practice on climate adaptation and resilience, including South Australia’s Climate Emergency Declaration.
Two SA climate tech companies have joined Close at the conference, Val.Ai and Green Group, with plans to pitch their company’s innovations to a global audience of potential investors, collaborators and customers.
Val.Ai and Project Green Group are attending COP27 as part of the South Australian Government’s participation in the CivTech Alliance’s Global Scale-Up Program.
The CivTech Alliance is an international network of government representatives, coordinated by the Government of Scotland.
Its Global Scale-Up program is designed to support climate startups to increase their visibility, access global markets, and accelerate growth.
Australia hopes to hold the 2026 UN climate conference.
