Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the ACT. While the Territory has made strong progress in reducing emissions and transitioning to renewable electricity, recent data shows we have not met our 2025 interim emissions reduction target and face challenges in meeting future targets.

Canberra’s climate is also becoming hotter and more variable. Heatwaves, bushfires, drought, storms and flooding are expected to become more frequent and severe, affecting our health, homes, environment, businesses and way of life.

To respond to these challenges, the ACT Government is developing a new ACT Climate Change Strategy for 2026–35. The strategy will set a clear direction for reducing emissions, preparing for climate impacts, and supporting a fair and inclusive transition to a net zero, climate-resilient city by 2045.

Community input is central to shaping this strategy.

The ACT has already built strong momentum on climate action, and a clear framework will help shape where we go next.

Our new Climate Change Strategy will be an overarching framework for 2026–35. It will outline key outcomes, highlight the work already underway, and identify gaps and opportunities across major themes.

This long-term Climate Change Strategy will be supported by shorter-term action plans. These will focus on immediate priorities and give us the flexibility to respond to new issues and community needs as they emerge.

The ACT Government has released a Discussion Paper for community consideration to help guide the conversation. The paper sets out a series of proposed vision statements and key themes for community feedback that will help guide the ACT’s future climate action efforts.

Through this consultation, we are seeking feedback on:

• How climate change is already affecting your daily life and community.
• What you think about the ACT Government’s proposed approach to reducing emissions and building climate resilience.
• How we can better support communities, households, businesses and workers through a fair and inclusive transition to 100% renewable energy.
• How we can support individuals, households and communities to reduce emissions and prepare for climate impacts.

Key focus areas include:

• Building strong, connected and resilient communities
• Supporting people and groups most vulnerable to climate impacts
• Creating opportunities for businesses, innovation and jobs
• Preparing the workforce for a low emissions future
• Improving low‑carbon transport options, including active travel, public transport and zero emissions vehicles
• Protecting and enhancing our natural environment
• Ensuring homes, infrastructure and essential services are climate-ready

The development of the ACT Climate Change Strategy will also leverage existing community consultation undertaken through the development of the:

• ACT Social Recovery Framework
• Climate Change Resilience Longitudinal Study
• ACT Disaster Resilience Strategy
• Integrated Energy Plan
• ACT Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan
• ACT Water Strategy 2014-44 (refresh)
• Nature Conservation Act 2014

Public consultation is open from 29 January to 18 March 2026.

You can get involved by:

• Completing the online survey on this page.
• Providing your comments as a written submission to climatechange@act.gov.au.
• Attending online information sessions - more details to come.
• Taking part in community drop-in sessions - more details to come.

We encourage all ACT residents, businesses, community groups and organisations to have their say. Everyone has a role to play in shaping Canberra’s climate future.

The ACT is recognised as a long-standing climate leader and has some of the most ambitious climate policies and targets across Australia and the world. We have made considerable progress to reduce emissions and have laid a strong foundation for future action in areas where it is needed.

What we have done so far

The ACT has been committed to climate action since 2010. The infographic below shows the journey we have been on over the past 16 years, and future priorities, as we build our climate-resilient city.

How we will use your feedback

Your feedback will help inform the next ACT Climate Change Strategy and future short-term action plans from 2026 to 2035.

What we have heard so far

The ACT Government undertook stakeholder consultation in October and November 2025 on next ACT Climate Change Strategy. Feedback was used to help finalise the Discussion Paper ahead of broader community consultation on YourSay and will also inform the development of the new strategy.

Read the Consultation Report to find out more about what was heard.

How the ACT’s climate is changing

Climate change is already affecting the ACT, and future changes are expected to be significant. Local modelling shows how temperature, heatwaves, rainfall, and cold nights are projected to change over the coming decades. These changes will have real, practical impacts for households, businesses, and communities.

Rising temperatures

Average temperatures across the ACT are rising and are projected to continue increasing throughout the century. This means warmer days for everyone.

What this could mean:

Households: Homes may become uncomfortably hot in summer, increasing reliance on air-conditioning and fans. Energy bills are likely to rise, and people may experience disrupted sleep during warmer nights. Heat can be particularly dangerous for older adults, children, or those with chronic health conditions.

Businesses: Outdoor workers, construction sites, hospitality events and markets may need additional heat protections, such as shaded areas or modified work hours. Higher indoor temperatures could also increase cooling costs for offices, shops and factories.

Communities: Public spaces like playgrounds, sports fields and parks may become less usable during hotter periods. Cooling infrastructure, shaded areas, and community support networks will become increasingly important.

More frequent and severe heat days

The number of extremely hot days (over 35°C) is projected to increase significantly, and heatwaves will become more common, longer and intense.

What this could mean:

Households: Families may need to plan for heatwave days, especially if homes are poorly insulated or lack air-conditioning. Vulnerable household members may require extra support. Daily routines may need adjustment to avoid the hottest times of the day.

Businesses: Hot days may disrupt normal operations, reduce outdoor worker productivity, and increase risk of heat-related illness. Retail, hospitality and event-based businesses may need to adapt opening hours or provide cooling facilities.

Communities: Community services may see increased demand during heatwaves. Cooling centres, libraries and other public facilities will be vital for keeping people safe. Social programs may need to focus on checking in on vulnerable residents.

Fewer cold nights

The number of very cold nights (below 2°C) is expected to decrease, meaning winters will feel milder.

What this could mean:

Households: Heating costs may reduce, but traditional seasonal routines may need adjustment (gardening, winter activities). Homeowners may need to focus more on cooling than heating in future home upgrades.

Businesses: Winter-dependent industries, like some hospitality or recreation sectors, may see a shift in seasonal demand. Winter tourism experiences may need to adapt.

Communities: Outdoor winter events and social activities may be easier to hold, but changing seasons could affect local cultural events, recreation, and wildlife-based activities.

Changes to rainfall

Rainfall is expected to become more variable, with a reduction in annual rainfall and longer dry periods interrupted by intense rainfall events.

What this could mean:

Households: Gardens, lawns and water tanks may be affected by drier conditions. Residents may need to increase water-saving behaviours or install rainwater tanks to maintain gardens or vegetable patches. Flash flooding during heavy rain may also pose risks.

Businesses: Farmers, landscapers, construction and water-reliant industries will need to plan for water shortages or sudden heavy rain. Agricultural yields and productivity could fluctuate more than in the past.

Communities: Water restrictions may become more frequent, and community water education programs may become increasingly important. Local governments may need to improve stormwater and flood management.

Increasing climate risks for everyone

These projected changes - warmer temperatures, more hot days, fewer cold nights and shifting rainfall - will increase climate-related risks across the ACT. Bushfires, drought, heat stress and flooding are expected to become more frequent and severe.

What this could mean:

Households: Families will need emergency plans, household cooling strategies and home adaptations to cope with extreme weather. Heatwaves, bushfires and flooding could disrupt daily life and create safety risks.

Businesses: Companies may need to develop business continuity plans, adapt work schedules and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure. Supply chains may also be affected by extreme events.

Communities: Local organisations, volunteer groups and emergency services will play a key role in supporting residents during extreme weather. Strengthened social networks and community planning will help everyone stay safe and recover faster after events.

Key takeaways

The ACT’s climate is changing now, and many changes will affect everyday life within our lifetimes. Households will need to focus on comfort, safety, and energy use, businesses on resilience and continuity, and communities on planning, infrastructure, and social support. Understanding these impacts helps everyone take practical steps to prepare for a hotter, drier, and more variable climate.

What you can do

The first thing you can do to take action is to have your say in developing the ACT’s next climate change strategy. Community feedback will help shape that ACT’s next phase of climate action efforts out to 2035.

Canberrans looking for more ways to act on climate change today can also help by looking at their lifestyles and routines and thinking about where they can integrate sustainable changes, one step at a time.

Sorting your waste, choosing to walk, cycle, or use public transport more often, preparing your home for extreme heat, or developing an emergency response plan for your household or business are all practical actions you can take to reduce emissions, make your home more comfortable, and prepare for a changing climate.

Taking small steps and making smart choices that fit into your everyday life and budget can make a big difference to our goal of becoming a net zero emissions city by 2045. It can also help you to prepare for a changing climate.

Learn about ACT Government supports

The ACT Government offers a wide range of supports and information to help Canberrans take action on climate change. Visit the Everyday Climate Choices website to learn about low interest loans for upgrades, support for renters, rebates for priority groups, online tools, free workshops, and tailored advice programs for households and businesses.

Our Sustainable Home Advice service is your one-stop shop for information on how to reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. You can also learn about ACT Government supports and rebates you may be eligible for.

Eligible businesses can also get free advice on how to improve sustainability and reduce emissions through the Sustainable Business Program. The program also includes up to $13,000 in rebates for eligible businesses for energy-efficient upgrades.

Experiencing worry, stress, or distress about climate change and extreme weather events is normal. These concerns can affect your mental health and wellbeing. The ACT Government provides a range of mental health services and resources to help: Getting help for your mental health.