With Australia and Pacific nations likely to host the UN’s most significant annual climate summit, COP31, our region stands at a pivotal moment to accelerate climate action.
Our latest Environment Learning Circle, Climate at a Crossroads, explored how funders can help drive progress during this critical time. Learn more about the powerful role philanthropy can play with the summary below.
The current landscape: Climate action in the lead-up to COP31
- Australia and Pacific nations are likely to host the UN’s annual climate summit COP31 (Conference of the Parties) in 2026 – a pivotal moment for climate leadership in our region
- The impact of COP extends beyond the summit itself — it’s a global platform for action, accountability, and ambition across all sectors
- The Pacific is disproportionately affected by climate change, and its communities are leading solutions
- As host, Australia would face global attention on its fossil fuel exports – a key opportunity to accelerate the shift toward clean energy
- Beyond formal negotiations between countries, COP also mobilises voluntary action through the Action Agenda – an opportunity to drive innovation based on regional priorities
- Civil society and NGOs are ready to mobilise, but need early and sustained support to scale impact
What role can philanthropy play in supporting climate action for COP31? 8 recommendations
1. Fund early and boldly – impact is maximised in the lead-up, not just at the COP itself
2. Support movement-building and capacity – especially for First Nations and Pacific communities
3. Invest in convening power – fund spaces for civil society to collaborate and strategise
4. Back organisations with proven track records – prioritise those already doing the work
5. Enable participation – cover travel costs for frontline communities
6. Fund across approaches – from research and policy to storytelling and community mobilisation
7. Champion integrity — help reset the influence of fossil fuel interests in Australia’s climate decisions
8. Collaborate with other funders to build shared strategies and reduce duplication
Questions for reflecting on your climate giving
What role can your giving play in building capacity in the lead-up to COP31? Are you supporting organisations that are ready to act now?
Are you funding climate action with a climate justice lens? How are you centring First Nations and Pacific voices in your climate giving?
How is your climate giving helping communities lead change beyond big events like COP? Are you supporting long-term solutions, not just short-term campaigns?
This resource has been developed with insights from the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network, 350 Pacific and world-renowned COP expert, Andrew Highham. Australian Communities Foundation thanks all partners for sharing their knowledge and expertise with our giving community.
If you would like to learn more about organisations mobilising ahead of COP31, please contact our team on 03 9412 0412 or email [email protected]
Andrew Higham, World-renowned COP expert
Andrew Higham is a writer and strategist who has worked across climate policy, sustainable development, investment strategy, business leadership, and all levels of government for two decades, most recently in shaping international climate change policy. He has extensive experience in driving policy reforms and delivering complex environment policy initiatives.
Daisy Barham, Program Manager – Climate Change, Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network
Daisy Barham runs the AEGN’s climate change program, where she supports the Network’s 200+ members to give effectively to address climate change. Prior to entering philanthropy, Daisy held a range of advocacy roles, working with campaigners, organisers and policy officers to take on the key threats to nature.
Mary Harm, Campaigner, 350 Pacific
Mary harm is a campaigner at 350.org. She mobilises communities through advocacy, storytelling, and grassroots action to resist fossil fuel expansion and champion Pacific resilience.
