Applications are officially open for the COP31 Evidence for Climate Action (E4CA) Program, inviting experts from around the world to submit published research that can help shape international climate policies and accelerate evidence-based decision-making. Researchers, evaluators, policymakers, and climate practitioners working on evidence-based climate solutions now have an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s most significant climate policy platforms.

The Evidence for Climate Action (E4CA) initiative serves as a platform that connects high-quality scientific evidence with global climate policy discussions during COP31. The program seeks rigorous, published research that provides practical lessons, policy recommendations, and measurable evidence to support climate action across a wide range of thematic areas.

If your research has already been published and contributes to addressing climate change, environmental sustainability, resilience, or climate justice, this is an opportunity to present your work to an international audience of policymakers, researchers, development organizations, and climate practitioners.

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026 (23:59 UTC−12)

About the COP31 Evidence for Climate Action (E4CA) Program

The Evidence for Climate Action (E4CA) program is an evidence-based initiative designed to strengthen climate policy discussions by bringing together high-quality published research from around the world.

Unlike traditional conferences that may accept conceptual ideas or preliminary research, E4CA specifically focuses on completed research that has already undergone publication or formal release. This ensures that discussions during COP31 are grounded in credible evidence and proven findings.

The initiative encourages collaboration between researchers, evaluators, institutions, development organizations, universities, think tanks, government agencies, and practitioners who have generated valuable insights into climate and environmental action.

Selected submissions will contribute to both virtual and in-person sessions held during COP31 in Türkiye, helping bridge the gap between research and real-world climate policy implementation.

Why the E4CA Program Matters

Climate change remains one of the world’s greatest challenges, requiring informed decision-making backed by reliable evidence.

The E4CA program aims to:

• Promote evidence-informed climate policymaking.
• Highlight successful climate interventions and lessons learned.
• Encourage collaboration across countries and institutions.
• Share innovative approaches to adaptation and mitigation.
• Strengthen dialogue between researchers and policymakers.
• Showcase high-quality evaluations and scientific findings.
• Support global implementation of effective climate strategies.

By presenting evidence rather than opinions, the program helps ensure climate decisions are based on measurable outcomes and rigorous analysis.

What Type of Research Can Be Submitted?

The E4CA program only accepts completed and published research.

Eligible publications include:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles
• Published research reports
• Officially released evaluations
• Published analytical studies
• Completed evidence-based reports

Every submission must present findings from one single published publication.

The lessons and conclusions submitted must be directly connected to that publication’s analytical framework and methodology.

Research That Is Not Eligible

Certain types of submissions will not be accepted.

These include:

• Unpublished working papers
• Opinion articles
• Editorials
• Concept papers
• Research proposals
• Theoretical essays without published evidence
• Compilations of unrelated findings from multiple reports
• Research lacking documented methods or evidence

Only research supported by documented methodologies, verified data, and published findings will be considered.

Thematic Areas for Submission

Researchers may submit evidence under one of several climate-related thematic tracks.

1. Adaptation, Resilience & Loss and Damage

Research focusing on helping communities adapt to climate change while addressing losses resulting from climate impacts.

2. Biodiversity, Forests & Rio Synergies

Evidence related to biodiversity conservation, forest protection, ecosystem restoration, and links between major environmental agreements.

3. Climate Finance, Institutions & Implementation

Studies examining climate funding, institutional effectiveness, governance, implementation strategies, and financing mechanisms.

4. Climate Justice, Equity & Poverty

Research exploring fair climate policies, social equity, vulnerable populations, and poverty reduction through climate action.

5. Climate-Resilient Cities, Infrastructure & Water

Evidence supporting resilient urban development, sustainable infrastructure, and water resource management.

6. Evaluation, Evidence & Climate Action

Studies demonstrating how monitoring, evaluation, and evidence improve climate decision-making.

7. Food Systems, Agriculture & Food Security

Research addressing sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, and food security under changing climate conditions.

8. Green Industrialization, Transport & Economic Transformation

Evidence supporting low-carbon industries, sustainable transportation, and economic transformation.

9. Health Systems & Climate

Research examining climate impacts on healthcare systems, disease prevention, and public health resilience.

10. Indigenous Peoples & Local Communities

Evidence highlighting indigenous knowledge, local community leadership, and inclusive climate solutions.

11. Mitigation, NDCs & Carbon Markets

Studies related to greenhouse gas reduction, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), emissions trading, and carbon markets.

12. Oceans, Seas & Coastal Systems

Research addressing marine ecosystems, coastal resilience, fisheries, and ocean conservation.

13. Powering Climate Action, Electrification & Clean Energy Transition

Evidence supporting renewable energy, electrification, and clean energy transitions.

14. Technology, Data & Geospatial Evidence

Research using technology, data analytics, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, GIS, and spatial analysis to support climate action.

15. Youth & Education

Studies demonstrating how education and youth engagement contribute to climate solutions.

16. Zero Waste & Circular Economy

Evidence promoting waste reduction, recycling, sustainable production, and circular economic systems.

Selection Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on several important factors.

These include:

• Scientific rigor
• Policy relevance
• Quality of evidence
• Contribution to climate action
• Methodological strength
• Clear communication
• Published findings
• Analytical consistency

The organizers are particularly interested in research capable of informing policy discussions at the international level.

Diversity and Inclusion

E4CA aims to create an inclusive and globally representative program.

The organizers encourage submissions from:

• Universities
• Research institutes
• Governments
• International organizations
• Civil society organizations
• Think tanks
• Evaluation agencies
• NGOs
• Independent researchers
• Development partners

The final program seeks to include diverse institutions, perspectives, geographic regions, and voices.

Language Requirements

All submissions must be prepared in:

• English only

Submissions in other languages will not be accepted.

How to Submit Your Proposal

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1

Complete the official Submission Form.

Step 2

Prepare the required submission materials, including:

• Title
• Abstract
• Extended abstract
• Preferred thematic track(s)

Step 3

Submit the completed proposal before:

31 August 2026 (23:59 UTC−12)

Late submissions may not be considered.

What Happens After Submission?

Every proposal undergoes a structured evaluation process.

The review includes:

Initial Eligibility Screening

Organizers first verify that submissions meet all eligibility requirements.

Double-Blind Peer Review

Eligible proposals then undergo an independent double-blind peer review process to ensure fairness and academic quality.

Session Development

Accepted submissions will be grouped with complementary research to create meaningful comparative discussions.

Sessions may be held:

• Virtually
• In person in Türkiye

If Your Submission Is Accepted

Successful applicants will be invited to:

• Confirm participation
• Choose virtual or in-person attendance (where applicable)
• Collaborate with other presenters in thematic sessions
• Prepare final presentation materials

Panels will also consider:

• Geographic diversity
• Gender balance
• Complementary expertise

Final Presentation Deadline

Accepted presenters must submit their final presentation:

One week before their assigned event.

Why You Should Apply

Participating in the COP31 Evidence for Climate Action Program offers numerous advantages, including:

• Present research at an internationally recognized climate policy platform.
• Share published evidence with global decision-makers.
• Contribute directly to international climate policy discussions.
• Network with researchers, evaluators, practitioners, and policymakers.
• Increase the visibility and impact of your published research.
• Collaborate with experts from around the world.
• Support evidence-informed climate action.
• Participate virtually or in person in Türkiye.

APPLY NOW

Important Dates

Contact Information

For questions regarding submissions, applicants may contact:

Email: e4ca@deval.org

Website: www.e4ca.org

Conclusion

The COP31 Evidence for Climate Action (E4CA) Program represents an outstanding opportunity for researchers and practitioners to ensure their published work contributes directly to global climate policy discussions. By emphasizing scientific rigor, policy relevance, and evidence-based solutions, E4CA creates a platform where research can influence meaningful climate action on an international stage.

If you have completed and published research related to climate change, sustainability, biodiversity, clean energy, climate finance, resilience, or any of the other thematic areas, now is the time to share your findings. Submit your proposal before 31 August 2026 (23:59 UTC−12) and become part of the global conversation shaping climate action at COP31.

Visit the OFY website for more opportunities on Conferences.