COP31 Collaboration
In late 2022, Australia announced its bid to co-host the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in 2026 in partnership with the Pacific.
It is on this basis that like-minded leaders from across charities and local community; Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Pacific communities; climate and environment; business and investment; policy and research came together with the objective of supporting a whole-of-society approach to COP31.
Together we will sought to connect people, planet, peace and prosperity into narratives, actions and advocacy that sees COP31 deliver a just, resilient, low carbon future.
An initial meeting at Parliament House in Canberra began our work together. An Outcomes Statement from that meeting is available here, with coverage in the Canberra Times.
In the run-up to the eventual announcement that Türkiye would host COP31, with Australia leading negotiations and a Pre-COP31 Leaders Meeting the Pacific, we worked collaboratively to connect work happening across sectors to put community at the centre of an Australia-Pacific co-hosted COP31. There were four broad themes:
We saw an opportunity to in a ‘home COP’ to catalyse broad engagement with COP31 – with many people, organisations and communities telling their own stories in their own way to weave a rich tapestry for climate action that is inclusive of our whole society, protects and conserves nature, amplifies the learning and the voices of First Nations and is community-centric.
Our vision and collaborative effort summarised in one page: COP31 Collaboration Purpose and Vision
Our work together played a role in supporting Australian ambition to take a leadership role with the Pacific. It promoted positive, action-oriented discourse that put the future of our communities at the centre. It built relationships across sectors and a wealth of learning. The big work remains – to engage and involve communities in envisioning and navigating the future they want as we respond to climate change. That will have to happen in many different ways – here at CCA we’ve already started: Community groups have the power to get a better deal from government – and all Australians will benefit | Community Directors
Federal Budget Pre-Budget Submission 2025 - 26
January 2025
This submission supports the leadership of the Australian Government in seeking to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific and a COP Presidency that advances the global climate agenda by integrating action on climate change to benefit our communities, our economy and our future. It outlines key measures the COP31 Collaboration Group (CCG) believes will significantly strengthen Australia’s leadership role in addressing climate change both nationally and internationally.
Report from the Canberra Basecamp, September 2024
On 12 September 2024, climate advocates from across Australia, the Pacific, and the world came together on the Country of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people please note the report Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders that the report contains a photo of a person who has passed away, shared with family’s permission (see cover)
Climate change: doing nothing is not an option
9 April 2024
In Australia, most charities and community groups – aside from environmental charities – play no role in addressing the biggest challenge that will increasingly impact our work and our communities. We can and should change that writes CCA CEO, David Crosbie.
COP31 - Federal Budget Pre-Budget Submission 2024 - 25
25 January 2024
This submission outlines key measures the COP31 Collaboration Group (CCG) believes will significantly strengthen Australia’s leadership role in addressing climate change both nationally and internationally. It recognises the opportunity for Australia to co-host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific and undertake a COP Presidency that advances the global climate agenda by integrating action on climate change to benefit our communities, our economy and our future.
COP31 Basecamp Report
Leaders from charities, volunteering and community, climate finance and investment, industry, philanthropy and the Pacific came together in Sydney to talk about the opportunities and imperatives for people, planet, peace and prosperity that we can advance together by making the most of bid by Australia and the Pacific to co-host COP31 in 2026.
The report is a valuable resource for all who are making charting a course to a resilient, flourishing future their priority:
Our thanks to Impact X for organising, and our fellow partners: WWF Australia, Climate Action Network Australia and the Climate Reality Project.
We welcome your involvement in the COP31 Collaboration. To get involved in one of the working groups and to stay in touch with news, contact CCA Partnerships Manager, Deborah Smith: deborahs@communitycouncil.com.au
Time to bridge the gap between climate concern and climate action
14 September 2023
Charities and not-for-profits have been at the heart of community resilience for decades. Putting them at the centre of action to combat climate change should be no different, writes Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie. Read more
Dermot O'Gorman, David Crosbie | Hosting COP31 could shift Australia and Pacific approach to addressing climate change
5 June 2023
Smoke haze has smothered most of Brisbane over the last week, in parts it was so bad people with respiratory conditions were advised to stay indoors.
The smoke blanket was the result of controlled burns as emergency services strive to prepare for what they fear will be a potentially disastrous fire season. It’s not the first Australian capital to be afflicted and it won’t be the last.