Climate Change is a Problem. Here’s Your Solution.
Sally Fitzgibbons of Australia surfs in Heat 4 of the Opening Round at the Billabong Pro Pipeline in Oahu, Hawaii.

Climate Change is a Problem. Here’s Your Solution.

We can talk about it all we want, but it’s time to take action.?

Climate change is real, urgent, and everyone has to play their part if we want to make a real difference. The sports industry is uniquely positioned and urgently needed to create change for this issue – both to continue to play, as well as bring in more supporters and awareness around the issue.?

If this resonates with your organization’s goals, here are three key focus areas where you can start combating climate change today:?

  1. Clean up our own house
  2. Mobilizing fans
  3. Partnerships for change

OUR OWN HOUSE?

To be credible when talking about change, first, we must evaluate our own internal practices. The sports sector must look at the work they are doing to combat climate change, or for many, sports will become much more challenging — if not disappear altogether. As certain sports face extinction because of lack of snow or other harsh weather due to climate change, looking at ways we can start making progress ourselves is crucial.

Jacquie Pierri with puck during the ice hockey match in SDHL between AIK and SDE on December 18, 2019 in Stockholm.
Jacquie Pierri during the ice hockey match in SDHL between AIK and SDE in Stockholm, 2019.

Additionally, consumer values are shifting. Today’s buyers are demanding more from brands and being advocates for companies that prioritize driving genuine change. For supporters to continue to advocate for their brands and teams, the sports industry must recognize the detrimental cost of being slow to react to sustainability and environmental issues.?

THE FANS

Fans have the power to help drive these changes through their awareness and advocacy. Sports creates community and encourages people to come together and cheer for a shared love: their teams. This, in turn, builds relationships and opens up the opportunity for sports organizations to serve as educators and facilitators of sustainable-driven efforts.?

Madrid fans cheering for Betis during La Liga, 2022.
Madrid fans supporting Betis during La Liga, 2022.

PURPOSE-DRIVEN SPONSORSHIPS

Finally, the sponsors can be a problem or a solution. Historically, the sports industry has partnered with brands that have high-carbon products and serious negative consequences on the climate, but this doesn’t have to be the case moving forward. By holding their sponsors to higher standards, the sports industry can not only create growth within themselves but also impact the wider community and industries.?

We have the solution at our fingertips – it’s up to us to make it happen. Together, let’s call for more changes, support from all, and, ultimately, a better world for everyone.?

To find out more about the steps you can take to transform the sports industry, download Stepping Up to the Plate, our report on Sports and Climate Action.


ABOUT 17 SPORT

17 Sport is the world’s first sports impact company operating at the intersection of sports, business, and purpose. We provide strategy, partnership, and implementation services to transformational leaders in sports and business committed to forging a better tomorrow for people, and the planet.

If you would like more information or are ready to start activating your purpose through sports, please contact: [email protected].?

Antonio Vizcaya Abdo

LinkedIn Top Voice | Sustainability Advocate

1 年

As an influential global platform with millions of fans and followers, the sports industry can leverage its reach and influence to promote sustainable practices and behaviors, while also setting an example for other industries to follow.

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