SBS Portuguese spoke to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, Australia’s highest-ranking official at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. AM Wilson spoke about Australia’s bid to host COP31, the balance between Australia’s fossil fuel exports and renewable energy ambitions, the absence of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at COP, how a COP can achieve results without USA and China, and his reaction to today’s Liberal Party meeting to debate (and dump) net-zero emissions target.
As the world gathers in Belém, on the edge of the Amazon, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, says the spirit of global cooperation remains strong — even amid challenges to the multilateral system.
Speaking with SBS Portuguese from northern Brazil, where COP30 is underway, Wilson said being in the Amazon underscored the urgency of the global climate action.
“Being on the edge of the green lung of the Amazon reinforces the importance of the work that is going on here, and the leadership of Brazil around the importance of global cooperative action to combat dangerous climate change and deliver the energy transition in a way that’s effective and fair,” he said.
From the Amazon to the Pacific
Wilson described the atmosphere at COP30 as one of “resolution, energy, and cautious optimism”, noting that leaders are keenly aware of both the progress and the fragility of global climate cooperation.
“There’s a sense of optimism but also realism because the multilateral system has taken a few knocks in recent times. We need processes like this to be at their best, in all of our interests,” he said.
Australia is using this year’s summit to advocate for hosting the next UN Climate Conference, COP31, in partnership with Pacific nations. Wilson said that move would help connect two vital environmental frontiers — “the green lungs of the Amazon” and “the blue lungs of the Pacific.”
“We believe it’s the responsible thing to do. Our Pacific family is very committed to bringing the world to our part of the planet, and Australia has a strong national interest in effective climate action,” he said.
He confirmed that Australia’s bid to host COP31, competing with Türkiye, has been conducted “in good faith and good spirit,” and that a decision is expected by the end of the current COP 30 next week.
Learning from Brazil
AM Wilson praised Brazil’s leadership under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, describing COP30 as “the implementation COP” — a time for countries to turn commitments into action.
“Brazil has shown great leadership — it’s a significant renewable energy producer and a great advocate for concerted action,” Wilson said.
“President Lula has done a really good job in making this the implementation COP, or as some are calling it, the truth COP — saying it’s time for the global community to really focus on the commitments we’ve made.”
Australia and Brazil, he noted, share common ground as the two largest nations of the Global South with rich First Nations heritage and vast renewables.
“We’re both blessed with renewable energy resources. We’ve doubled renewable generation in Australia in the last six years and will do that again before 2030. Our national target to reduce emissions by up to 70 per cent by 2035 generates a lot of respect globally,” he said.
First Nations Knowledge at the Centre
Wilson said he was deeply inspired by Brazil’s focus on Indigenous leadership at COP30, which aligns with Australia’s approach to weaving First Nations knowledge into climate solutions.
“Part of Brazil’s leadership has drawn strength from its Indigenous traditions,” he said. “In Australia, we have First Nations fire management practices that have proven effective in reducing emissions and improving biodiversity. These are lessons we’re proud to share.”
A Warning Against Climate Backsliding
Asked about reports that Australia’s Liberal Party is debating whether to scrap the country’s net zero targets, Wilson was blunt.
“Nothing would be more harmful than the approach the Liberal Party is considering — harmful to our international reputation, to investment, jobs, and to Australia’s environmental wellbeing,” he said.
He pointed out that Australians have already embraced renewable change at home.
“We’re the highest rooftop solar jurisdiction in the world — one in three Australian households has solar,” he said. “I frankly don't understand why the Liberal Party or the coalition more broadly seems to find itself in this never ending obsession and death spiral around climate denialism, because it is the denial of the reality, both in terms of, the climate and our economic future," he said.
From Belém to the World
As COP30 continues in the Amazon, Wilson said the location itself — “the green heart of the planet” — offers a powerful reminder of what’s at stake.
“The Amazon is a wonder of the world,” he said. “It’s a privilege to be here and see it up close, because it reinforces how vital it is that we keep going — together — to protect our planet.”
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