Sydney is gearing up to join the ranks of global climate leaders like London and New York with its first-ever Climate Action Week Sydney (CAW.SYD), scheduled from May 13-19.
The event aims to unite various stakeholders, including community groups, businesses, students, and researchers, to discuss and advance climate action initiatives in the city and across Australia.
Climate Action Week Sydney will see community organisations, climate start-ups, research institutions, students, investors, NGOs, Corporate Australia and the broader community come together to explore how Sydney and Australia can accelerate climate action.
The week of events, which is supported by the City of Sydney, Greenhouse and Boundless, will provide a platform for individuals, organisations and businesses to host climate action talks, art exhibitions, movie screenings, and interactive shows across greater Sydney in a bid to elevate the city’s role in global climate action. The event also aims to support ongoing climate conversation and action that delivers impact.
Organisers are aiming to attract thousands of people to events all over the city with Climate Action Week Sydney inviting submissions from organisations, academic institutions, businesses and people interested in hosting an event or volunteering at CAW.SYD.
Seventy-five events are already locked in with a diverse range of organisations including the Smart Energy Council, the University of NSW (UNSW), the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), KPMG, The Australian Computer Society, Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia, The Australian Climate Leaders Coalition, WWF Australia, The Australian Museum, and Greenhouse Climate Tech Hub among the community organisations, climate technology start-ups and individuals hosting events during Climate Action Week Sydney.
Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore AO said: “Climate change is an existential threat and the most serious issue of our time. About 75 per cent of global emissions are generated by cities, so climate action at a city level is critical.”
“At the City of Sydney, climate action is our key priority. We were the first major city in Australia to declare a climate emergency, we became carbon neutral in 2007 and 100 per cent of electricity in our operations comes from renewable sources.”
“We met our original goal to reduce emissions by 70 per cent by 2030 nine years ahead of schedule and have now committed to net zero emissions across our entire local government area by 2035. Through electrification, active transport projects, city greening and collaboration with businesses and residents, we’re striving to make our City more resilient and sustainable.
We are proud to lead by example and encourage action from other governments with ambitious targets and policies, advocacy, and achievements,” said Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO.
Mark Rowland, Chief Collaboration Officer at climate tech hub Greenhouse – a supporting partner of Climate Action Week Sydney, said: “Climate Action Week Sydney is for the community, by the community. It’s an opportunity for people and organisations across Sydney to come together to inspire and take stronger climate action.”
“Addressing climate change requires urgent action. Our beautiful city, way of life and economy is at risk of more frequent and severe bushfires, floods and storms, as well as ongoing coastal erosion as the climate continues to warm.
“Sydney is also home to an ecosystem of leaders, innovators and passionate people who can help tackle climate change. Climate Action Week Sydney is about harnessing the collective energy of our community to educate and inspire action that helps create a better future for us all. We encourage everyone to get involved,” said Mr Rowland.
Richie Merzian, International Director for the Smart Energy Council, who will headline a Climate Action Week event focusing on the opportunity for Sydney to host the 2026 global UN climate change talks said:
“Climate Action Week Sydney comes at a crucial time for our climate and our region. If the world is to transition at the speed and scale needed to address the climate crisis, we need the community coming together to demand greater action from all.”
“Climate Action Week Sydney will explore, for the first time, a vision for Sydney as potential host for the world’s most important international climate meeting in 2026. An unprecedented opportunity that can transform not just the city, but the nation and the Asia-Pacific region,” said Mr Merzian.
Highlights of the week-long program of events currently include:
- a CAW.SYD opening day event at Town Hall (Monday 13 May)
- a tour of an urban farm in Rosebery – see images here
- a tentpole event at Customs House focused on Sydney’s bid to host COP31, hosted by the Smart Energy Council
- the premiere of feature-length documentary ‘Antarctica the Giant Awakens’, directed by award-winning director Liz Courtney
- a ‘urban food’ dinner and sustainable food panel at Field+Fin in Marrickville
- an interactive, family-friendly event hosted by Parents for Climate aiming to engage families in climate action
- a community event, featuring speakers from Bushfire Survivors For Climate Action and Renewable Cobargo, about how stories can help us rebuild for a better future, hosted by the Australian Museum and Nature Conservation Council
- a hands-on workshop for small businesses to learn how to measure their carbon footprint, hosted by The B Corp Climate Collective.
To find out more about Climate Action Week Sydney or to order tickets go to www.caw.sydney.
To register your interest in hosting an event, sponsoring or volunteering at CAW.SYD, go to www.caw.sydney/get-involved.
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