G'day COP31
Podcast Description
G'day COP31 is a podcast for those who want to know more about the ‘COP31’ (almost) being hosted in Australia in 2026. Your hosts are Heidi Dumesich and Jack Whelan. Jack is a boomer and started his career in sustainability before it was concerned 'cool'. His experience stretches from the earliest COPs - across business and industry, government, development agencies, NGOs, and the UN. He worked with the International Chamber of Commerce and World Business Council on Sustainable Development, in the AsiaPac region with the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility and the major donor agencies like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade nominated him to the design team which established the IRIS initiative to promote climate and disaster resilient infrastructure in the Small Island Developing States.. Heidi Dumesich is a millennial with a degree in Environmental Science focusing on implementing practical solutions. Heidi is the seasoned podcaster with her sustainability focused podcast called Life on Planet A. She is currently working as a Sustainability Manager at Ventia, leading a road project’s Infrastructure Sustainability Council rating. The aim of this podcast is to dive into the ins and outs of what really happens at a COP — from all of the different stakeholders and planning to the politics, people, and purpose behind it all. Through candid conversations with stakeholders across government, industry, civil society, and community groups, we unpack how everyone is impacted, involved, and inspired by climate diplomacy at this scale.Whether you're a policymaker, business leader, activist, or just COP-curious, this is your space to learn how to get the most out of any COP — wherever it’s held.Tune in, get engaged, and say G’day COP !.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores various themes related to climate change and sustainability, including the logistics of hosting a COP, the roles of different stakeholders, and the socio-political context affecting climate negotiations. For instance, episodes cover topics like the importance of the Pacific region in climate discussions and the contributions of industries, such as LPG, towards clean energy solutions.
G’day COP31 is a podcast for those who want to know more about the ‘COP31’ (almost) being hosted in Australia in 2026.
Your hosts are Heidi Dumesich and Jack Whelan.
Jack is a boomer and started his career in sustainability before it was considered ‘cool’. His experience stretches from the earliest COPs – across business and industry, government, development agencies, NGOs, and the UN. He worked with the International Chamber of Commerce and World Business Council on Sustainable Development, in the AsiaPac region with the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility and the major donor agencies like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade nominated him to the design team which established the IRIS initiative to promote climate and disaster resilient infrastructure in the Small Island Developing States..
Heidi Dumesich is a millennial with a degree in Environmental Science focusing on implementing practical solutions. Heidi is the seasoned podcaster with her sustainability focused podcast called Life on Planet A. She is currently working as a Sustainability Manager at Ventia, leading a road project’s Infrastructure Sustainability Council rating.
The aim of this podcast is to dive into the ins and outs of what really happens at a COP — from all of the different stakeholders and planning to the politics, people, and purpose behind it all. Through candid conversations with stakeholders across government, industry, civil society, and community groups, we unpack how everyone is impacted, involved, and inspired by climate diplomacy at this scale.
Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, activist, or just COP-curious, this is your space to learn how to get the most out of any COP — wherever it’s held.
Tune in, get engaged, and say G’day COP31!
Keywords
COP31, climate change, Turkey, Australia, carbon trading, climate finance, Pacific Islands, virtual engagement, adaptation, negotiations
Summary
In this episode of G'day COP31, hosts Heidi Dumesich and Jack Whelan discuss the current status of Australia's bid to host COP31, the implications of Turkey's involvement, and the challenges faced in organizing the event. They explore the importance of virtual engagement in climate discussions, the need for Australia to strengthen diplomatic relations with Pacific Islands, and the complexities surrounding carbon trading mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The conversation highlights the significance of adaptation and climate finance for developing countries, particularly in the Pacific region, and concludes with a call for future engagement and expert discussions on these critical topics.
Takeaways
- Australia's bid for COP31 is under threat from Turkey.
- The Pacific Islands support Australia's bid for COP31.
- If no consensus is reached, COP31 will default to Bonn, Germany.
- Virtual engagement can enhance participation in COP discussions.
- Australia's climate risk assessment highlights urgent issues.
- Diplomatic relations with Pacific Islands are crucial for Australia.
- Article 6 of the Paris Agreement focuses on carbon trading mechanisms.
- Countries face challenges in accessing climate finance for adaptation.
- Education on carbon markets is essential for developing countries.
- Future discussions will focus on specific themes within climate negotiations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Weekend Activities
01:14 COP31 Bid Status and Negotiations
04:08 Potential Hosting Challenges and Events
05:36 Virtual Engagement and COP Participation
06:54 Downsizing COP31 and Stakeholder Engagement
09:19 Diplomatic Relations and Climate Ambitions
13:07 Climate Risks and Adaptation Needs
16:12 Focus on Specific Climate Issues
19:46 Understanding Carbon Trading Mechanisms
26:13 Conclusion and Future Discussions
Links:
Climate Week session on Article 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqMVP2QkRds&list=PLBcZ22cUY9RJT5Cp3K72BlPtp1eZQmztc&index=23
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/sep/13/australias-cop31-bid-teeters-as-rival-turkey-refuses-to-withdraw
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/15/pacific-islands-forum-pif-2025-five-key-takeaways
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