Global collaboration reaches Australia
Climate Action for Associations (CAFA), the international not-for-profit dedicated to mobilising trade associations and professional bodies on climate action, has announced its expansion into Australia. The move integrates CAFA with ClimateWise Associations, an initiative that has been building momentum in the region, and aims to accelerate climate action across sectors.
CAFA, headquartered in the United Kingdom, has quickly emerged as a central force in sustainability, bringing together over 380 associations worldwide. Collectively, these associations represent more than 500,000 businesses and approximately six million professionals. With its arrival in Australia, CAFA is set to extend its influence into the Pacific, offering associations new opportunities to collaborate on decarbonisation and climate resilience.
Strengthening sectoral leadership
The organisation recognises that millions of businesses depend on professional and trade associations for guidance, yet many sectors remain unprepared for the realities of climate change or the urgent need to reduce emissions. CAFA provides free resources, guidance, and peer-to-peer networks to empower associations to support their members in building sector-specific pathways to decarbonisation.
Australia’s integration into the CAFA network comes at a pivotal moment. The Australian Government has recently set an ambitious 2035 emissions reduction target of 62–70 percent below 2005 levels, alongside publishing warnings about the escalating impacts of climate change. The timing underscores the importance of collective action from industry bodies that can influence large networks of businesses.
“Our expansion into Australia marks a significant milestone in our mission to create a global network of associations driving climate action,” said Alison Heppenstall, CEO of Climate Action for Associations. “The team at ClimateWise Associations has done fantastic work laying the foundations. By uniting under the CAFA banner, we can amplify this impact exponentially and support sectors transition to a net zero economy.”
Building on Australian foundations
ClimateWise Associations has been an important platform for engaging Australian associations on sustainability, with a focus on integrating climate considerations into organisational strategy and member programs. Co-founder Helen Millicer emphasised the benefits of aligning with CAFA’s international reach.
“We are thrilled that Climate Wise Associations is becoming part of CAFA,” she said. “Becoming part of CAFA means that we can increase our engagement of Australian associations. Being part of CAFA’s global movement enables us to share learning and boost our collective voice with Australian institutes and associations to integrate climate and sustainability into their operating model and member programs at the scale and speed the climate crisis demands.”
This integration signals a shift from a nationally focused initiative to a globally connected platform. By linking with CAFA’s international resources and expertise, Australian associations can draw on case studies, toolkits, and collaborative forums already being used in other regions.
The role of associations in climate leadership
Trade and professional associations are uniquely positioned to influence industry practice. They provide training, set standards, and shape regulatory engagement for their members. By embedding climate strategies into their operations, associations can play a catalytic role in mainstreaming sustainability across entire sectors.
Globally, associations have been seen as a largely untapped channel for climate mobilisation. CAFA’s strategy seeks to unlock this potential by enabling associations to coordinate on decarbonisation at scale. The organisation not only offers technical guidance but also fosters a peer-to-peer environment where associations can learn from one another’s successes and challenges.
In Australia, sectors ranging from construction and manufacturing to agriculture and health will now have access to CAFA’s global resources. This is expected to accelerate the development of practical, sector-specific transition pathways aligned with national and international climate targets.
Launching CAFA Australia
CAFA Australia will be officially launched on 22 October 2025 at 4:00 PM (AEST) through a free online event. The program will feature keynote speakers from leading European associations and Australian industries, alongside an introduction to CAFA’s mission and its role in supporting association leaders.
The launch is designed to showcase the power of collaboration across borders and sectors, reinforcing the message that associations, when united, can drive systemic change toward a net zero economy.
As climate challenges intensify, initiatives like CAFA’s expansion demonstrate how collaboration across professional networks can provide a multiplier effect, helping industries worldwide to not only meet emissions targets but also to build long-term resilience.
