From COP17 to the High Seas Treaty coming into force, discover the most important environmental events to mark in your calendars in 2026
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As we enter 2026, the year ahead offers another opportunity to protect the planet. Through rigorous climate action and refined goals, it’s possible to come closer to mitigating – and in some cases, reversing – the human-induced damage wreaked upon our ecosystems, wildlife and environment.
But what exactly is being done to tackle some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time – rising temperatures, warming seas and plastic pollution?
Across this year, several key events will take place with the ultimate aim of keeping our planet on track for a healthier and more sustainable future. Read on to find out more about some of these major events, and why exactly they matter…
High Seas Treaty enters into force – January 2026
On 17 January 2026, the High Seas Treaty will officially enter into force. Adopted in June 2023 and applying to more than two-thirds of the ocean, the agreement marks a major victory for the ocean.
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Its overall objective is to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine areas beyond natural jurisdictions, known as the high seas. These areas play a vital role in ensuring a healthy planet, hosting a wide range of species and important habitats.
Twenty-ninth meeting of the Adaptation Committee (AC29) – April 2026
Focused on adaptation – the process of countries preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate change – this meeting is part of the ongoing work under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
Within the meeting, the main goals are to review progress and adaptation work, discuss adaptation planning and coordinate with other UNFCCC bodies and processes.
AC meetings like AC29 are vital, as they contribute directly to how countries translate adaptation goals into tangible policies and programmes on the ground.
London Climate Action Week – June 2026
As one of the largest independent climate events in Europe, London Climate Action Week is an annual, independent gathering founded in 2019 by think-tank E3G and the Mayor of London.
There, global leaders from business, government, finance and civil society will converge to share solutions and make new climate commitments.
London Climate Action Week brings together multiple strands of climate engagement, designed to accelerate both local and global action. Events include sessions on mobilising climate finance and exploring pathways for climate-resilient investment, as well as workshops and panels on topics including climate governance, risk management and climate justice.
Our Ocean Conference – June 2026
This year, Our Ocean Conference will be held in the counties of Mombasa and Kilifi in Kenya, marking the first time the conference will be hosted on African soil.
The conference was first launched back in 2014 by former US Secretary of State John Kerry and the US Department of State, and is designed to ensure high-level action for ocean protection and sustainable use. It brings together a range of people, from governments and businesses to NGOs and academics.
The main goal of Our Ocean Conference is to accelerate concrete commitments – from policy initiatives to funding and partnerships – that safeguard marine ecosystems and foster sustainable blue economies.
COP31 in Türkiye – November 2026
COP31 is the 31st session of the annual, flagship global climate summit that brings together nearly 200 countries in the name of action against climate change.
This year, COP31 will be held in Antalya in Türkiye. Across the course of 12 days, a mix of ministerial negotiations, technical discussions, side events and civil society summits will take place.
Although Türkiye is the official host country – responsible for logistics, venue and the overall organisation, Australia has been designated the president of negotiations. This means Australia leads the climate talks phase and helps to set the agenda – a diplomatic compromise reached after a long contest between the two nations over hosting rights.
COP17 in Armenia – November 2026
At COP17 – the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – governments, scientists, Indigenous groups and other stakeholders will review progress on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: the global plan to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
In 2026, it will be held in Armenia. COP17 is expected to be key stocktake of progress. Countries will be assessing how well they are delivering on commitments such as expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, scaling up finance for biodiversity and integrating biodiversity into economic planning.
