Adelaide’s COP31 Bid Highlights Key Challenges
A recent feasibility study has shed light on the challenges faced by Adelaide in its bid to host the COP31 UN climate summit. The report, prepared by consulting firm KPMG for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, emphasizes the need for adequate accommodation and the management of carbon emissions from cruise ships. Ultimately, Adelaide’s bid was unsuccessful, with hosting rights awarded to Türkiye after a protracted diplomatic dispute.
Feasibility Study Reveals Major Concerns
The KPMG analysis, conducted in October 2022, outlines several logistical hurdles that Adelaide would have encountered while hosting over 20,000 delegates. One significant concern was the potential need to displace existing accommodation arrangements, including hotels occupied by flight crews and student housing. The report suggested that additional lodging might be necessary on government land near Adelaide, although it concluded that the city could secure sufficient infrastructure for the event.
Time was a critical factor, with the report warning that delays could jeopardize access to essential facilities and accommodations. “Time is of the essence for such a decision,” the report stated, highlighting the urgency of securing the necessary resources to host the summit effectively. Despite these challenges, the study noted that Adelaide had the potential to procure adequate conference and accommodation infrastructure.
Adelaide’s bid to host COP31 was ultimately unsuccessful after the Australian government relinquished its hosting rights to Türkiye last year. The event would have attracted thousands of global representatives, including heads of state, to negotiate new climate agreements. Before the public announcement of the bid in November 2024, KPMG had conducted two feasibility studies for the premier’s department in October 2022 and August 2023.
Accommodation and Sustainability Concerns
One of the key takeaways from the feasibility study was the importance of accommodation logistics, particularly in light of the experiences from COP26 in Glasgow. The report noted that Glasgow successfully reserved 70% to 80% of its hotel stock for the summit. However, it cautioned against relying on stationary cruise ships for lodging, as these “flotels” typically require fuel, leading to carbon emissions that contradict the summit’s climate goals.
The report also highlighted that many countries and organizations requested free accommodation during COP26, a decision that ultimately rests with the host city or country. Additionally, it emphasized the need for thoughtful gifts for delegates, including items that reflect the host country and city. The study pointed out that COP26 included a free travel card for delegates, allowing them to navigate the city without charge.
To promote sustainability, the report suggested implementing electric and hydrogen buses, as well as using solar power at the venue. It also proposed offering only vegan or vegetarian meal options during the event. Following inquiries from the ABC, a spokesperson from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet clarified that the scoping study was intended to inform Adelaide’s COP31 bid and did not reflect government policy.
Future Prospects and Information Withholding
The initial KPMG report explored whether Adelaide could host COP in 2024 or 2026, identifying the Adelaide Convention Centre as a suitable venue. However, the study indicated that temporary infrastructure would need to be constructed, and other events would need to be displaced to accommodate the summit. A six-week preparation period was deemed necessary, with an additional 10 days required for decommissioning after the event.
Despite the unsuccessful bid, Premier Peter Malinauskas has not ruled out the possibility of Adelaide hosting a future COP. The Department of the Premier and Cabinet had previously withheld the KPMG studies, citing concerns that releasing them could adversely affect the government’s ability to manage the economy. The state ombudsman supported this decision, stating that the information could be relevant for future major events.
