Sport is a big part of life in Australia. With around 14 million people involved each year, it’s clear that physical activity matters. New data shows that:
85% of adults aged 15 and older took part in sports last year.
Over 11 million adults engaged in some form of sport.
64% of children aged 0-14 participated in organized sports.
More than 2.8 million adults volunteer in sports.
But as our climate shifts, the big question is: Can Australian sports adapt and thrive despite these changes?
Heatwaves, smoke, floods, and storms directly affect how we play. Matches get canceled, and training is disrupted. This means less physical activity and weaker social ties in our communities. It’s not just individuals feeling the pinch; community sports clubs are also struggling. The Australian Sports Foundation notes that two-thirds of these clubs are facing challenges due to rising costs and weather challenges.
Professional sports face similar issues. Tournaments like the Australian Open have dealt with extreme heat and smoke, causing delays and reshuffling schedules. Events are routinely affected by weather, making the future uncertain for many athletes and fans.
Climate change affects sport in various ways. There are emissions from transportation, energy use, and even the production of sports equipment. This highlights the urgent need for effective leadership from both government and sports organizations.
Recently, the government released Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment. Unfortunately, sports barely made the list of priorities. This oversight is critical because for many Australians, sports are where the effects of climate change are most visible — whether it’s a canceled match or harsh playing conditions.
While the government introduced the Game On initiative, which allocates $50 million to help clubs improve infrastructure, sustainable practices must go beyond just building projects. Issues arise when funding ends or key volunteers move on. Research from Victoria University highlights that many sports organizations still lack strong leadership and data management for environmental initiatives, causing uneven progress.
So, how can sports organizations take charge?
- Link Funding to Results: Investments should focus on real community outcomes, like fewer disruptions from the weather or reduced energy use. Saving money on bills could directly benefit participation and safety.
- Invest in People: Training boards and councils in risk management can help sustain initiatives. Each association should designate someone to oversee environmental efforts.
- Build a Shared Knowledge Base: A climate risk assessment could identify which facilities are most vulnerable to extreme weather. With this data, clubs can implement policies to minimize risks.
- Make Partnerships Effective: Collaborations should ensure that savings are reinvested into community involvement. Initiatives like Cricket for Climate can serve as a model for tracking savings and enhancing participation.
These strategies can help maintain a safe environment for Australians to play sports while taking meaningful steps toward sustainability. Sport has a unique ability to reach and engage many people. This can drive practical climate action, such as better scheduling, smarter energy use, and clearer guidelines for dealing with weather challenges.
Can Australian sports become truly sustainable? It’s a challenge. Climate change is already reshaping how we engage with sports. Extreme weather is now a regular concern, affecting how we plan events and manage sports organizations.
However, sustainability isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about building resilience. By incorporating environmental responsibility and informed decision-making into everyday operations, we can create an enduring legacy of sports for future generations.
