Newcastle will host Australia’s next national climate change adaptation conference from 26 to 28 October 2026, bringing together professionals working across climate risk, resilience and adaptation in government, industry, research and the private sector.
Climate Adaption 2026 is presented by the NESP Climate Systems Hub and sponsored by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the conference will be held at NEX in Newcastle West and is designed as an in-person event focused on knowledge sharing, networking and practical collaboration.
The three-day program will include plenary sessions featuring key voices, panel discussions, workshops and delegate presentations examining how communities, industries and institutions are responding to climate pressures.
The conference theme for 2026, Growing knowledge, empowering change, reflects efforts to improve climate adaptation through research, lived experience and practical action.
Call for abstracts across infrastructure, energy and planning
With abstract submissions now open, the conference committee is seeking contributions covering a wide range of adaptation topics relevant to both public and private sectors.
Themes include urban infrastructure and asset management, finance and investment, governance, community resilience, health and wellbeing, risk assessment, communication, innovation and Indigenous-led adaptation approaches.
For infrastructure and energy professionals, the urban infrastructure and asset management stream is expected to cover climate impacts affecting the built environment, including energy and water systems, urban planning and critical infrastructure.
Researchers and practitioners can submit proposals for oral presentations, short plenary talks, interactive sessions, posters and short-form videos for the conference’s Adaptfest film festival.
Abstract submissions close at 11:59pm AEST on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, with successful submissions securing access to a full conference pass at the early-bird rate.
The organising committee said the conference series is intended to strengthen connections across the adaptation sector.
Film festival and early career opportunities
The conference will again feature Adaptfest, a film festival session focused on climate adaptation communication through short videos and animations.
Selected submissions will be screened during a dedicated session on Monday, 26 October, with organisers seeking work that explains climate change and adaptation in accessible ways.
An early career professionals event is also planned for researchers and practitioners beginning work in adaptation, with participation linked to full conference or student passes.
Students are being encouraged to attend, with discounted registration including conference sessions, networking events and the conference roving dinner.
Newcastle’s role in adaptation discussions
For the Hunter, where energy systems, industrial infrastructure and regional planning continue to evolve, discussions around adaptation are increasingly relevant alongside the broader transition reshaping how communities and industries prepare for future climate conditions.
The decision to host the event in Newcastle places a national adaptation discussion in a region already managing the practical effects of economic and industrial change linked to climate and energy policy.
