About ACAW
The story behind South Australia's first statewide climate action festival. Explore our action areas.
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.
Our people
& supporters
ACAW is made possible by the incredible individuals driving this movement forward. We're grateful to everyone who is helping make South Australia's first climate action week a reality.
Organising Team
Advisors
Venue Partners
Our Approach
Evidence-Based
Grounded in climate science, SA's Net Zero Strategy 2024–2030, and proven adaptation frameworks
Justice-Centred
Centring First Nations knowledge, Pacific voices, and communities on the frontlines
Systems-Oriented
Connecting grassroots action with policy change and capital mobilisation
Collaborative
Building partnerships that outlast 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.
