Federal election 2022: Labor can host UN climate summit despite pro-coal stance: Anthony Albanese

An Albanese government would bid to host a COP summit as part of its attempts to repair Australia's international reputation on climate action, which it says has been battered by the Coalition's refusal to set higher emissions reduction targets.

Labor wants to host the event in partnership with Pacific nations, which face an existential threat from climate change.

But Labor's climate credentials and suitability to host the event are being called into question because of its ongoing support for the coal sector.

After sending mixed messages on the resources sector during Labor's failed 2019 campaign, Mr Albanese has this week made clear he wouldn't oppose the construction of new coal mines which secure environmental approvals or seek to stop coal exports if he wins next month's election.

Mr Albanese offered a blunt "no" when asked on Wednesday if Labor would sign up to a global pledge to end the use of coal power over the next two decades.

More than 40 countries signed on to the pledge at the COP26 summit in Glasgow in November. The Morrison government snubbed the deal.

Asked to explain why Labor wouldn't sign the agreement, Mr Albanese said: "Coal is a part of our energy mix here in Australia, right now.".

Despite the pro-coal stance, the Opposition Leader said a Labor government would have a "very good chance" of hosting a future climate conference.

Mr Albanese used the prospect of an conference co-hosted with Pacific nations as another angle of attack at the Morrison government's failure to thwart the new security pact between Solomon Islands and China.

'It [hosting the event] is the the sort of constructive relationship building that's been missing from this government," he said.