On Friday, April 17th, 2026, the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Los Angeles Committee on the Environment (COTE) is proud to host the 9th annual 1.5°C Symposium on Climate Change. This year’s symposium shifts the conversation from policy to practice and from intention to action.
In a time of political uncertainty and climate urgency, this event asks: How can individuals, firms, and communities drive real, tangible change? The 2026 Symposium will explore how climate action is scaled across projects of every size, within firms of every structure, and across sectors often siloed from each other. From small-scale pro-bono efforts to market-driven green development, the event will celebrate and elevate practical, resilient, and replicable strategies. Attendees will engage with Southern California–based impact projects, sector-specific insights, and a network of collaborators reimagining what’s possible. Our goal is to democratize knowledge, strengthen cross-sector connections, and accelerate a just transition in the built environment.