Australia has been singled out after winning the "colossal fossil" award for its "appalling" performance at the COP26 conference in Glasgow, environmentalists said.
The award was created by the global organisation Climate Activist Network (CAN) to spotlight countries that lack ambitious climate targets and policies. Australia took out the top dishonour by the end of the summit.
CAN activists said Australia displayed "breathtaking climate ineptitude" ahead of COP26, with its reluctance to commit to a net zero target by 2050 while showing little promise in its shorter-term 2030 targets.
But they say the country's reputation plummeted further as the talks began, taking out five of CAN's 'Fossil of the Day' awards in a fortnight.
"Their subsequent performance resembled parts of the Australian outback: a barren wasteland, devoid of anything remotely resembling an idea, strategy or policy on fossil fuels, energy or transport," the activists said.
CAN cited Australia's failure to create policies to phase out fossil fuels, its refusal to sign the global methane pledge, and its failure to deliver fully on pledges for climate mitigation and adaptation funding for poorer nations.
"Scott Morrison and his band of merry fossil fools either failed to sign up to a progressive phase-out pledge or made an announcement that was better suited to an oil, gas and coal convention," the activists said.
The federal government had previously announced an additional $500 million in climate financial aid to our Pacific and southeast Asian neighbours, totalling $2 billion over the next five years.
During his COP26 address, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his stance was to rely on technological breakthroughs as "the Australian way" to decarbonise the economy.
The award announcement came as . Nations continue to negotiate on a final agreement they would be committed to signing.
Australia has taken out the top dishonour at COP26 by being crowned the "colossal fossil". Source: Climate Action Network
Unlike many other countries, Australia’s negotiators have not been providing updates on the progress of talks, nor have they explicitly stated the elements of the draft they want to be changed.
The Australian Climate Foundation’s Gavan McFadzean believes Australia is likely to be supporting efforts by big emitters to soften language regarding coal and fossil fuels.
“We’re concerned about the company Australia’s keeping at this COP at the moment, particularly counties like Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and Brazil, who’ve always pushed for lower ambition,” he told SBS News.
“This is what (Australia) has been doing for 10 years now, watering down, obstructing, blocking further ambition.”
The United States has received second place in the dunce award for its inability to phase out fossil fuels domestically.
"As one of the largest oil and gas producers in the world, they call on developing nations, with high levels of energy poverty, to ditch coal whilst appearing unwilling to move beyond oil and gas themselves."
And third place was awarded to the United Kingdom because of what CAN called a lack of inclusivity in engaging civil society attendees at the conference.
"Civil society was denied access to press conferences or negotiations, there was a lack of provision for those with disabilities, shambolic logistics, endless and freezing queues, and a farcical ticketing system."
