What's happened
The UK government is under scrutiny for its climate targets as it considers extending subsidies for Drax power plant's carbon capture project. Meanwhile, Australia has approved multiple coal mine expansions, raising concerns about its commitment to climate leadership ahead of hosting COP31 in 2026.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Guardian's Jillian Ambrose highlights concerns over the UK government's reliance on Drax's carbon capture project, suggesting it may benefit other countries' emissions accounts rather than the UK's. Meanwhile, The Independent reports on Australia's recent coal mine approvals, emphasizing the contradiction between the government's push for renewable energy and its simultaneous support for fossil fuel projects. Critics, including climate activists and opposition politicians, argue that these decisions threaten both national and global climate goals.
How we got here
Recent approvals for coal mine expansions in Australia and the UK's potential subsidy extension for Drax highlight conflicting approaches to climate policy. Both countries face criticism for actions that may undermine their climate commitments.
More on these topics
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.