Citizen COP / COP 31
You might have heard of the upcoming COP 31, held from 9 to 20 November in Antalya, Turkey. But what exactly is COP and why does it matter?
COP is short for ‘Conference of the Parties’ and is an international climate meeting held annually by the United Nations. During this conference the world’s progress on the climate crisis is critically assessed. It provides the opportunity to find solutions and hold states accountable for their commitments to climate action. In addition to all member countries of the UNFCCC (U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change), the conference brings together scientist, activists, journalists and civil society organisations.
COP conferences are becoming increasingly important, as the 1.5°C limit to avoid the worst impacts of climate change has been passed in 2024. This year, countries will reveal their new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC3.0), showing how far the world has drifted from the 1.5°C goal. New emissions reduction targets are among the most important issues on the COP31 agenda.
Australia has an important role in this year’s COP 31, as the country is assigned as ‘President of Negotiations’. This role gives exclusive authority over the global climate negotiation process. It provides an important opportunity to build consensus around for example stronger climate action, emissions reductions and transitioning away from fossil fuels.
The global COP 31 can often feel complex and distant from everyday life. This is exactly why People for Nature has organised Citizen COP Australia. This is a decentralised, people-powered movement running alongside COP 31 that turns the global climate discussions into accessible, citizen-led conversations. This helps citizens to understand COP and engage in climate and biodiversity discussions, and you can be part of it as well!
As part of Citizen COP Australia, a series of events takes place from 19 October to 20 November, including different opportunities in Canberra:
- 25th of October: Join Gregory Andrews for a Citizen COP bird walk, where you will observe woodland and/or wetland birds, and reflect on what local birds can teach us about habitat, biodiversity loss, climate stress and practical action.
Read more and get tickets for this event here: https://events.humanitix.com/bird-walk-canberra-citizen-cop-2026 - A similar Citizen COP bird walk is held on the 15th of November, focussing more on reflecting on how heat, drought, fire, seasonal disruption and habitat loss are affecting birds and ecosystems.
Read more and get tickets for this event here: https://events.humanitix.com/bird-walk-canberra-birds-country-and-climate-risk-citizen-cop-2026 - 11th of November: Join the special community screening of Nature – The Call for Reconciliation. This documentary explores humanity’s relationship with the natural world and invites us to reflect on our place within Earth’s living systems—and the urgent need to restore balance between people and planet.
Read more and get tickets for this event here: https://events.humanitix.com/nature-documentary-screening-citizen-cop-2026 - 14th of November: Join the friendly Citizen COP Dog Walk, which brings people and their dogs together to show support for climate action, nature protection and a safer future for all species.
Read more and get tickets for this event here: https://events.humanitix.com/dogs-for-climate-walk-canberra-citizen-cop-2026 - 15th of November: Discover three educational Coral Reef Card Games. Through interactive play, the games bring coral reef science to life, exploring reef health, threats to marine ecosystems, conservation challenges and approaches to reef management.
Read more and get tickets for this event here: https://events.humanitix.com/coral-reef-card-games-canberra-citizen-cop-2026