Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen has visited India, Korea, and Japan from 20-28 July, engaging with government and industry leaders to strengthen Australia’s international climate and energy cooperation.
Minister Bowen took part in the 8th Mission Innovation and 14th Clean Energy Ministerial, G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial, and G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial meetings. He emphasised the significance of international collaboration on clean energy transition and emissions reduction, as well as Australia’s goals to become a superpower in renewable energy.
Australia made several announcements at these events, including the launch of new partnerships and initiatives, the awarding of $12.4 million to the International Clean Innovation Researcher Networks, the announcement of a joint funding call between the Australian and the United Kingdom (UK) governments, and $50 million funding to build clean energy supply chains in the Indo-Pacific.
Minister Bowen then proceeded to Korea and Japan to enhance ministerial and industry ties, emphasising Australia’s position as a renewable energy exporter and critical partner in the global clean energy transition.
Minister Bowen met with G20 energy and climate ministers during his visit to urge for greater ambition in clean energy and climate outcomes, including the necessity of focusing on the rapid expansion of the deployment of renewables and the economic opportunities available to all countries in the clean energy transition.
The Minister also met with G20 Environment Ministers at the Ministerial on 28 July. Australia reaffirmed its commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and urged immediate action to prevent and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Australia also adopted the Chennai High Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue/Ocean-based Economy and highlighted the importance of First Nations knowledge in environmental protection.
Minister Bowen stated that building international relationships was critical to combating climate change and enjoying the advantages of a clean energy transition.
