Today
EU, France deliver migration crackdowns as populists surge
A “breakthrough” deal could end years of infighting over illegal immigrants. Emmanuel Macron needed a key rival’s support for his tough reforms.
- Hans van Leeuwen
This Month
Chileans reject constitution overhaul for second time
The latest vote highlighted the deep division in the South American country and the inability of political sectors to address people’s demands for change.
- Maria Verza and Patricia Luna
Housing crisis the biggest challenge for conservatives, says Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson speaks with Jennifer Hewett at The Australian Financial Review Business Person of the Year dinner on December 14, 2023.
- Updated
- Opinion
- Opinion
Japan is tired of Prime Minister Kishida, a man who tries too hard
Fumio Kishida’s knack for associating with controversial policies has turned him into one of the most unpopular leaders of the past two decades.
- Gearoid Reidy
COP28 deal says gas to play role in energy transition
Climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen hailed the stronger than expected COP28 outcome as a way to bolster Australia’s transition to renewable energy.
- Hans van Leeuwen
- Updated
- Energy transition
COP28 deal pledges fossil fuel ‘transition’ for first time
After a marathon round of backroom wrangling, the 198-nation summit endorsed a “transition away from” fossil fuels by 2050.
- Updated
- Hans van Leeuwen
- Analysis
- Carbon challenge
Will COP28 fail after dropping fossil fuel pledge?
For the Albanese government, and many others, the test of success or failure at COP28 is not necessarily a fossil fuel phase-out, but simply making progress.
- Hans van Leeuwen
COP28 draft agreement drops phase-out of fossil fuels
Australia is among the countries pushing back against the UAE’s suggested deal text, saying the draft was only a “step forward” not the needed “step change”.
- Hans van Leeuwen
Sprawling and costly: Can Australia host COP31 in just two years?
The conference, which could attract up to 80,000 people and puts pressure on transport, is likely to come to Australia in 2026. But the decision will be made next year.
- Hans van Leeuwen
- Updated
- Energy transition
Fossil fuel phase-out good for Australia, Bowen says
The climate and energy minister says if COP28 can agree to tough action on fossil fuels, it will create opportunities for Australia as a renewables superpower.
- Updated
- Hans van Leeuwen
Expectations dim that COP28 will agree to phase out fossil fuels
COP28 chief Sultan al-Jaber told countries to put aside self-interest, and Australia’s Chris Bowen urged them not to drift apart, as the endgame draws near.
- Updated
- Hans van Leeuwen
Bowen under pressure at COP28 over fossil fuel ‘phase out’
Chris Bowen needs to balance competing demands and interests, as he prepares for negotiations that will shape the climate policy agenda for years to come.
- Updated
- Hans van Leeuwen
- Opinion
- Tax reform
Why Emmanuel Macron is bravest leader of the year
The French president is probably the only Western leader to stare down public dissent at much-needed austerity measures. The rest should study his shattering experience.
- Janan Ganesh
- Opinion
- Opinion
Biden’s desperate battle to halt global conflict
Political division and turmoil at home are undermining US leadership overseas.
- Gideon Rachman
‘Please give me space’: COP28 host vows to prove doubters wrong
Oil boss and climate summit host Sultan al-Jaber says he accepts the science around global warming and the need to move fast on curbing emissions.
- Hans van Leeuwen
Scandal as oil boss leading COP28 questions climate science
A recording has emerged of summit host Sultan al-Jaber doubting the rationality of calls to phase out fossil fuels.
- Hans van Leeuwen
Woodside signs up to COP pledge on methane
The energy giant got behind an initiative to cut flaring by 2030. Activists were dubious that it had moved the goalposts.
- Hans van Leeuwen
Australia seeks to play good cop at climate summit
The COP28 climate summit has bowled up a plethora of pledges on renewable energy, health and agriculture, and Australia has signed up to all the biggies.
- Hans van Leeuwen
- Opinion
- Climate crisis
Part George Orwell’s 1984, part ChatGPT: Inside Dubai’s COP28
The UAE has spared no expense in making COP28 a success. From wood panelled portaloos, to huge venues and tasty food, it’s a climate summit like no other.
- Hans van Leeuwen
- Analysis
- Immigration
How immigration became a toxic brew
Migrants have been used to tackle dire demographic trends and shrinking workforces. But anxious voters are telling politicians to find another way.
- Hans van Leeuwen
