At the pre-COP in Tuvalu, Albanese warns of a summer of extreme weather as just two leaders from beyond the Pacific accept his invitation
The pre-COP meeting runs from October 5 to 8, in Fiji and then at a leaders' event in Tuvalu. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned there that Australia faces a summer of extreme weather, citing a forecast record El Niño. The Guardian called the start mixed because only two leaders from outside the Pacific accepted the invitation; the Herald, The Age and the AFR report the same count. Turkey hosts COP31 in Antalya from November 9, and Australia will chair the negotiations. The Guardian reported on Monday that September was Australia's second-hottest on record.
The government has made climate leadership with Pacific neighbours a centrepiece of its bid to chair COP31.
If you live in a bushfire or flood zone, the Bureau of Meteorology's seasonal outlooks are the practical source.
Pre-COP events are working meetings, and a large guest list is not the aim.
A sparse turnout at the Prime Minister's own event is a weak start for a chairing role.
Look for the text that comes out of Tuvalu, not the attendance list.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 2 · Morning · TUE., OCT. 6, 2026