Greenpeace welcomes renewed solar push, urges global leadership away from fossil fuels

Greenpeace Australia Pacific Media Release

SYDNEY, Wednesday 5 August 2026 – Greenpeace has welcomed Minister Chris Bowen’s commitment to expanding Australia’s solar discount at his National Press Club address today, a move it says unlocks the potential of Australia’s commercial rooftops, and underscores how homegrown renewables strengthen energy security and affordability in an increasingly volatile world.

The announcement comes three months before Minister Bowen is due to take the reins of UN climate negotiations, and shortly ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum and Pacific Pre-COP – two moments that will test Australia’s determination as incoming COP31 President of Negotiations and bring global attention to Australia’s fossil fuel exports.

Dr Simon Bradshaw, COP31 Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “Homegrown, decentralised renewable energy is the path to energy security, affordability, and to protecting communities from escalating climate disasters.

“We commend Minister Bowen for building on Australia’s world-leading progress in shifting homes and businesses beyond fossil fuels. Now the Australian Government has a responsibility to help drive stronger progress globally, and to tackle Australia’s burgeoning fossil fuel exports.

“Right now, as the northern hemisphere burns and Australians grow anxious at the prospect of another dangerous El Niño summer, all efforts of Australian families and businesses in shifting to renewable energy are being undone by the pollution from Australia’s exported coal and gas.

“COP31 is a unique opportunity for Australia to work with its big energy trade partners like South Korea and Japan towards a prosperous shared future beyond fossil fuels.

“Continuing to approve new fossil fuels, like Woodside’s mammoth Browse gas project, would be an historic act of recklessness at a pivotal moment in the world’s energy transition and response to the climate crisis.

“Australia must get squarely behind longstanding Pacific leadership on climate change, fight to protect the all-important goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C, and ensure that COP31 builds further momentum in the global transition away from fossil fuels.

“As we heard today, Australia is making real strides in its own energy transition. It’s time to match that domestic resolve with the kind of global leadership the Australian Government has promised, and that communities here, in the Pacific and worldwide are depending on.”