Local solutions in focus for Climate Action Week Sydney 2026 as urgency for action grows amid global uncertainty
Media release 23 February,2026
Program highlights announced for Climate Action Week Sydney (9-15 March 2026) 19 February 2026 (Sydney): Climate Action Week Sydney returns for its third year from 9-15 March 2026, bringing communities, businesses, governments and changemakers together for a week of climate action under the theme of Change happens locally.
Early highlights of the Climate Action Week Sydney 2026 (CAWSYD26) program announced today include The Hon Chris Bowen MP (Minister for Climate Change and Energy), David Hochschild (Chair of the California Energy Commission), Matt Kean (Chair of the Climate Change Authority), and remarks from Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, former UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Elder, Planetary Guardian.
The CAWSYD26 program centres on six themes: Oceans & Water, Health & Wellbeing, Food & Agriculture, Fuels & Energy, Nature & Biodiversity, Green Tech & Finance – with First Nations leadership, youth voices and real-world action woven throughout.
The climate crisis is accelerating faster than anticipated, with analysis showing 2025 was the world’s third-hottest year on record and that the 1.5-degree Paris threshold could now be
breached in the early 2030s. Scientists warn without rapid action there will be irreversible damage to ecosystems, economies and communities.
Led by the Climate Action Foundation, with the support of major sponsors Future Super, the NSW Government and Boundless, CAWSYD26 will transform Sydney into a hub for climate solutions, spotlighting local leadership, practical action and real-world impact.
Climate Action Week Sydney is putting Sydney, and Australia, firmly on the global climate calendar. Ed Schmidt, Director of the Climate Action Foundation, said Climate Action Week Sydney 2026 will focus on accelerating local climate solutions at a time of growing global uncertainty and accelerating climate risk.
“At a time when warning signs about the climate crisis are blaring louder than ever, and global leadership is uneven, local leadership has never been more important. Change does not
happen in isolation. It is grounded in local and First Nations knowledge, driven by the leadership of young people, and built in neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools, businesses and
communities.
“In 2025, more than 12,500 people took part in Climate Action Week Sydney, more than double the year before, a clear signal that people are ready to move from concern to action. As climate
risks intensify, so do the economic and social opportunities of acting now. With Australia and the Pacific preparing for pivotal moments like COP31, CAWSYD26 is focused on scaling the
solutions already working locally and inviting more people to help build the future,” Mr Schmidt said.
CAWSYD26 will feature a diverse, community-led program of events across Greater Sydney, including keynote events, panel discussions, workshops, site visits, exhibitions
and hands-on activities, with many events free or low-cost to attend. The CAWSYD26 program already includes:
● Opening day including Chris Bowen MP (Minister for Climate Change and Energy),David Hochschild (Chair of the California Energy Commission), Matt Kean (Chair of the Climate Change Authority), and Mary Robinson (former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC); a Sport Climate Forum, and insights into how data is reshaping corporate leadership from World Benchmarking Alliance.
● Youth-focused and First Nations-led events, including a youth-focused workshop looking at what COP31 means for young people with Kal Glanznig (Youth Ocean and
Climate Champion) and Grace Vegesana (Director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition), Pacific Women’s Blueprint: Spotlight on Vanuatu (resilience on the frontline of
change), with attendance by Mary Jack, Pacific First Nations Elder & Vanuatu National Grassroots Women’s Leader.
● Industry, community and local action showcases across Greater Sydney, including a Snorkel-Out for Climate, a Climate Tech Careers Night connecting students with
employers, a Business for Purpose showcase, an AEVA Electric Vehicle Rally and a behind-the-scenes Living Seawalls Tour.
The full program will be released in the lead-up to CAWSYD26 (9-15 March 2026).
Get involved. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Australia’s premier climate action event.
For tickets and program updates visit www.caw.sydney.
Have an event idea? Expressions of Interest are open until 20 February 2026 at www.caw.sydney/host-an-event.
“Climate Action Week Sydney is by the community, for the climate, and it belongs to everyone.Climate action requires a whole-of-society effort. Whether you’re a student, a business leader,
an investor, a parent or a community organiser, you have a role to play. By coming together to share ideas, build partnerships and scale what works, we can turn urgency into momentum, and
momentum into impact,” Mr Schmidt said.
Comment from Sharon Davis, Future Group’s executive director of investments, people and sustainability, on why Future Super is supporting CAWSYD26: “Super is one of the biggest
investments we make. When it’s invested collectively in sustainable industries, it becomes shared power, that’s why Future Super is partnering with Climate Action Week Sydney.”
About Climate Action Week Sydney and the Climate Action Foundation
Climate Action Week Sydney (CAW.SYD) is Australia’s premier climate action event, uniting communities, businesses, and organisations to drive climate action impact. Held annually and coordinated by the not-for-profit Climate Action Foundation, CAW.SYD showcases Sydney’s leadership in climate innovation and collaboration through a diverse program of community-led events. The Climate Action Foundation is a charitable organisation that funds, supports, and delivers initiatives for a positive impact on the climate.
For more, visit www.caw.sydney and www.climateaction.foundation.
