Sport is linked to the Australian way of life, it is in our DNA. But what do we do when climate threatens the very fields, ovals, parks, courts, stadiums and areas in which we play and compete? With the escalating climate crisis, the need for urgent action has never been more critical.
Climate change has had a significant impact on our sports in recent years, altering the way games are played, affecting athlete safety, and reshaping sporting events worldwide. We’ve seen extreme weather events such as flooding in Northern NSW, heat waves in rural Victoria, rising sea levels continuing to threaten coastal sporting venues, and that’s just a few examples from our own backyard.
This issue is global and the need for action is urgent. The good news is that it’s not too late for action. And the even better news.. Sport is the perfect vehicle to take the lead and help educate our communities. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
It is not enough for sports organisations just to ‘do no harm’. Sports professionals and organisations must be a ‘force for good’. We know action is required, but the question quickly becomes, ‘Where do we start’? Before we, as sports professionals, athletes or organisations can be the voice for change, we need to ensure that we walk the walk.
It All Starts With Education!
Education across the entire sports industry is key as it plays a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future. By raising awareness and providing knowledge about the environmental, social, and economic impacts of sports, education empowers athletes, organisations, and fans to make informed decisions and take meaningful action. It equips them with the understanding of how their choices and behaviours can contribute to the preservation of natural resources, the reduction of carbon emissions, and the promotion of social equity. Sustainability education fosters a mindset shift, encouraging individuals and organisations to prioritise long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
Education enables the sports industry to lead by example, inspiring other sectors and communities to embrace sustainable practices and join the global efforts in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. Ultimately, sustainability education is an investment in a more resilient and responsible sports industry that recognises its impact and takes collective action for the benefit of present and future generations.
So Let’s Start Broad (More Importantly Free!)
I’m an absolute podcast junkie, and there is no shortage of sport and sustainability content to wrap your ears around! Emergency on Planet Sport would be my recommendation. The podcast investigates the connection between sport and climate change, asking the sports community to assess our contribution to the climate crisis. Each episode focuses on stories from athletes, clubs and governing bodies. Across the two seasons the impact of climate change on everyday sport is highlighted, and the potential solutions sport can deliver to help make a difference. With plenty of sport sustainability content from across the globe, including Australia, this is a must! Once you’ve made it through Emergency on Planet Sport, check out The Sustainability Report.
If you’re after some light reading, we also recently wrote a blog on ‘Why Sport Needs To Take The Lead In Sustainability’
Looking For Something More Structured?
Check out this free course offered by Torrens University, ‘Sport for Good’. For me, this is an absolute must for anyone involved in sports. From local volunteers to professional athletes, this course outlines the importance of sport as a vehicle for driving positive change. Whilst not specific to the environmental issue, it does provide a great starting point with references to historical sporting movements that have shaped modern society.
Coursera is also well worth a look. With loads of free courses from leading universities across the world, there is sure to be a course that tickles your fancy. A great place to start is the ‘Introduction to Sustainability’, by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
For organisations looking to establish themselves as leaders within the space, there are a number of membership organisations. These organisations typically provide opportunities to learn, connect and grow. Take a look at The Sports Environment Alliance. SEA is a membership organisation focused on celebrating environmental leadership and advocacy of the sporting community and is the peak body for sport and climate.
More specifically for athletes but well worth checking out, FrontRunners, which aims to accelerate sports climate leadership. FrontRunners launched The Cool Down, to support the formation of player-led climate movements and provide advice and support across the sporting industry.
Conclusion
In the face of climate change, the sporting industry must step up and take action. It is time for the sporting industry to seize the opportunity and harness the power of education to drive meaningful change. By empowering individuals, fostering sustainability practices, and inspiring collective action, sports can truly become a catalyst for a more sustainable and resilient future. The next step is to get the house in order and continue to walk the walk! If you feel like you need some help to do so, check out our sports philanthropy services, here!
