In a report published on November 8, 2026, ABC climate reporters Charlotte King and Romy Stephens described pressure on Australia over its fossil fuel exports as it prepared to help lead negotiations at that year's climate talks in Türkiye. Government data cited in the report estimated emissions from Australian coal and gas exports, when burnt overseas, at almost 1,200 million tonnes for the 2025-26 financial year, up from 681 million tonnes in 2005. Domestic emissions were reported down 25 per cent on 2005 levels, against a target of 62 to 70 per cent below 2005 by 2035.

The report noted a Queensland coal mine expansion approval allowing 55 million more tonnes of coal for export until 2055, and the start of gas flows from the Beetaloo Basin. The Climate Council said it had tracked 16 new coal mine approvals or expansions since May 2022 and 11 new gas approvals. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking in Palau, rejected a journalist's suggestion that Pacific leaders see Australia as the problem.

Under Paris Agreement rules, downstream "Scope 3" emissions are excluded from domestic reporting. The High Court found in October that NSW planning authorities had to consider overseas emissions from burning fossil fuels when approving projects. Barrister Harj Narulla, who represented the Solomon Islands in a 2025 International Court of Justice case, said continued expansions left Australia exposed to legal challenge. More than 500 academics signed an open letter urging an end to new coal, oil and gas approvals.