CAWSYD26 to spotlight local climate solutions

Local solutions are in focus for Climate Action Week Sydney 2026 (CAWSYD26) as urgency for action grows amid global uncertainty.

The event returns for its third year from 9–15 March 2026, bringing communities, businesses, governments and change makers together for a week of climate action under the theme of ‘Change happens locally’.

Early highlights of the CAWSYD26 program 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, with First Nations leadership, youth voices and real-world action to be woven throughout. These themes are:

• Oceans & Water
• Health & Wellbeing
• Food & Agriculture
• Fuels & Energy
• Nature & Biodiversity
• Green Tech & Finance
   

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.

Ed Schmidt, Director of the Climate Action Foundation, said the event 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,” 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.

“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,” Schmidt said.

The full program will be released in the lead-up to the event. For tickets and program updates, visit the CAWSYD26 website.

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