About ACAW

Our origin
story

Adelaide Climate Action Week (ACAW) emerged from South Australia's COP31 bid in 2025 — a campaign that revealed our state's deep climate leadership but also exposed the need for a more connected climate ecosystem. Read more in our latest news.

Founded in 2025 by Jen St Jack and Mark Rowland as part of the Heaps Good COP movement, ACAW builds on South Australia's success of open-access festivals like Adelaide Fringe and Nature Festival. But instead of celebrating art or nature alone, we're celebrating and accelerating the most critical transition of our time. Find out how to get involved.

What makes
ACAW different

ACAW isn't a conference. It is a statewide community-led climate action festival where industry innovators, First Nations wisdom, coastal farmers, renewable energy workers, students, policy makers, and Pacific Island communities all share the stage. Discover the five action areas shaping the week.

More than a series of events, ACAW is designed to foster the connections, ideas and capabilities needed to accelerate climate action. Inspired by the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), the festival encourages people to connect across sectors, think differently and contribute to a shared vision for a thriving, climate-ready future.

Evidence-Based

Grounded in climate science, South Australia's Net Zero Strategy 2024–2030, and proven adaptation frameworks, we cultivate the knowledge and insight needed to support effective action.

Justice-Centred

We recognise that climate impacts are experienced differently. By centring First Nations knowledge, Pacific voices and communities on the frontlines, we help ensure the benefits of climate action are shared fairly and inclusively.

Systems-Oriented

Complex challenges require connected solutions. We bring together grassroots action, policy, investment and innovation to strengthen the conditions for change and unlock opportunities that no single sector can achieve alone.

Collaborative

Strong relationships are the roots of lasting change. We create opportunities for people and organisations to connect, learn and build partnerships that continue long after the week itself.

Our ethos

ACAW is driven by collaboration, urgency, diversity, and a global perspective. We believe climate action must be inclusive, evidence-based, and rooted in the lived experience of communities across South Australia and the Pacific.

We centre hope alongside honesty, celebrating what South Australia has achieved while confronting the scale of transformation still required. Have questions? Visit our FAQ.

Diversity
statement

ACAW is committed to reflecting the full diversity of South Australia. We actively seek participation from First Nations communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disabilities, young people, regional communities, and all who are affected by and working on the climate transition.