The newest global thematic club in the rotary block...
Chartering the Rotary Climate Action Club — A Rotarian-driven COP30 Legacy Initiative
Rotary Climate Action Club was formally launched as a global, climate-focused Rotary Club inspired by the Rotary International models of Passport Clubs and Satellite Clubs.
Alberto Palombo and Miroslav Polzer
12/27/20252 min read
As part of the lasting legacy of COP30 in Belém do Pará, the Rotary Climate Action Club was formally launched as a global, climate-focused Rotary Club inspired by the Rotary International models of Passport Clubs and Satellite Clubs.
This innovative club will begin as a Satellite Club of the Rotary Club of Brasília International (District 4530)—an established leader in environmental service and the institutional home of the volunteer-led Rotary@COP30 initiative.
What is the Rotary Climate Action Club?
The Rotary Club of Climate Action is a new kind of Rotary club designed to mobilize Rotarians, Rotaractors, and friends of Rotary from all regions of the world who are committed to advancing community-based climate action, nature-based solutions, and active participation in the UNFCCC COP process.
The club’s identity is shaped by three foundational principles:
1. A Passport-Style Global Membership Model
Like Rotary’s Passport Clubs, members of the Rotary climate Action Club enjoy flexible participation, allowing them to engage in meetings, projects, and service opportunities across borders.
· Members can join from any country. Participation is designed to be virtual-first, inclusive of different time zones. The club encourages involvement in projects outside one’s home district, enabling a true global community of practice on climate solutions in partnership with climate-related RAGs.
Initially, the club’s working language will be English. However, language proficiency is not requirement, as long as the member uses interpretation tools to communicate appropriately.
2. A Satellite Club Rooted in District 4530
As a Satellite Club of Rotary Club of Brasília International, the Rotary Club of Climate Action will begin on Ocober 1st, 2026, with organizational support and mentorship from an established club with experience in:
Rotary Foundation supported projects
International partnerships
COP-related engagement
Related Rotarian Action Groups (RAG)-aligned initiatives
This structure ensures both administrative stability and innovative freedom in its initial stages as the club grows toward full charter status, if so desired by the members.
3. A Focus on Climate Action and the UNFCCC COP Process
The club is the first Rotary initiative whose thematic center is explicitly aligned with:
The Paris Agreement goals
The UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP) processes
Climate action as a cross-cutting perspective in all Rotary’s Areas of Focus
Rotary’s initiatives to mobilize Rotarians for water and environmental sustainability
Members will be encouraged to:
Participating in COP meetings and side events
Contributing to MRV-ready community climate action
Promoting climate education and outreach
Developing Rotary projects supporting adaptation, mitigation, and resilience
Strengthening partnerships with climate funds, UN agencies, civil society, and youth organizations
A Legacy Initiative for COP30
The Rotary Climate Action Club is envisioned as a permanent global platform emerging from COP30 to promote climate action in the Rotary ecosystem along with climate-related RAGs, and external partners involved in Rotary’s global endeavors for humanitarian service. It will extend beyond Belém 2025 to support Rotary’s engagement at future COPs and to scale climate action projects across all Rotary Areas of Focus and global biomes.
By linking Rotary’s century-long tradition of service with the urgency of climate action, the club embodies the message:
“People-powered climate action — uniting the world through Rotary.”
Do you want to be part of this novel initiative? Let us know by filling this form: