Huge program revealed for Climate Action Week Sydney 2026 as new research shows Australians want more local climate action

Key Facts:

• Climate Action Week Sydney features over 250 community-led events across Sydney from 9-15 March
  
  
• Opening Day at UTS will bring together government leaders, energy experts, First Nations representatives, youth advocates, and business leaders to promote local climate action

• New national polling conducted in the lead up reveals growing concern about the impacts of climate change and demand for more to be done locally, particularly among younger Australians

• Almost half of young people are more concerned about climate change than last year (42% of those 18- 24) and nearly 4 in 10 are feeling anxious (38%)

• Events include practical workshops, factory tours, ocean experiences and family activities across Greater Sydney regions, with many free or low-cost 
  
  
• The program builds on the success of CAWSYD 2025 which saw over 12,500 participants

With just one week to go, the full program for Climate Action Week Sydney 2026 (CAWSYD26) has been announced, featuring over 250 community-led events taking place across Greater Sydney from 9-15 March.

The CAWSYD26 program includes a jam-packed Opening Day at UTS bringing together senior government and public sector leaders, international energy experts, First Nations voices, youth climate advocates, investors and business leaders in a powerful call for local climate action.

This year’s program spans six themes, Oceans & Water, Health & Wellbeing, Food & Agriculture, Fuels & Energy, Nature & Biodiversity, and Green Tech & Finance, with First Nations leadership, youth voices and practical solutions woven throughout. From policy and finance forums to factory tours, electrification workshops, ocean experiences and family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone interested in climate action.

Climate Action Week Sydney Program Director Lauren Houghton said the CAWSYD26 program reflects the reality that climate action now touches every sector and every community.

 

“Climate action is happening in suburbs, workplaces and communities, but it requires continued leadership and collaboration to meet the urgency and scale of the challenge, and to fully realise the benefits. Climate Action Week Sydney is focused on practical solutions, bringing people together to share ideas, form new connections and build momentum.

 

“Whether you’re a student, a business or public sector leader, a parent, an investor or someone who cares about your community, there is an event for you at Climate Action Week Sydney,” Ms Houghton said.

New national polling conducted in the lead up to Climate Action Week Sydney^[1] reveals growing concern about the impacts of climate change and demand for more to be done locally, particularly among younger Australians.

 

The research shows 1 in 3 Australians are more concerned about climate change than they were this time last year (32%). Meanwhile, 1 in 4 feel anxious about Australia’s future in a changing climate (24%) and fewer than 1 in 7 feel optimistic (14%). Concern is significantly higher among younger Australians. Almost half of young people are more concerned than last year (42% of those 18- 24), and nearly 4 in 10 are feeling anxious (38%).

 

This concern is grounded in people’s experiences. More than 1 in 4 say extreme weather has changed how they think about climate change (27%), over 1 in 5 say climate change is already affecting where they live (22%), and 1 in 3 are concerned about the impacts of climate change on the economy (34%).

 

In addition, more than 1 in 7 say they are more worried about climate change since the United States stepped back from climate leadership (15%). The polling also underscores the strong demand for leadership, with 1 in 4 Australians wanting governments (26%) and large businesses (25%) to do more to support climate action.

 

Climate Action Week Sydney Program Director Lauren Houghton said the findings highlight both urgency and opportunity in a defining year for climate action.

 

“In a year when Australia will take a key role as President of Negotiations for COP31, the world will be watching. Local leadership and local action matters. Australians are feeling the impacts of climate change more directly. They are concerned about extreme weather, about economic impacts and about what the future holds. People are looking for solutions and leadership. Change happens locally, and Climate Action Week Sydney is about turning concern into connection, and connection into action,” Ms Houghton said.

 

CAWSYD26 is led by the Climate Action Foundation with the support of major sponsors including Future Super, the NSW Government and Boundless. Building on the momentum of 2025, when more than 12,500 people took part, CAWSYD26 continues to grow as Australia’s premier climate action event.

Get involved. Climate Action Week Sydney runs from 9-15 March 2026. To view the full program and register for events, visit www.caw.sydney.

About us:

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.

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