Vanuatu criticises Australia for extending gas project while making Cop31 bid

Vanuatu’s climate adaptation minister, Ralph Regenvanu, expressed disappointment over Australia’s decision to extend the North West Shelf gas project, raising questions about its bid to co-host the Cop31 summit with Pacific nations. Scientists warn that the extension could emit up to 6 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases over decades, prompting Regenvanu to describe it as "double speak" from Australia. While Australia pressured Vanuatu for the extension ahead of its decision to host the summit, regional leaders criticize its continued reliance on fossil fuels, with Palau’s president and Tuvalu’s climate minister both condemning the move.