Sport and Climate Justice
Climate change is far more than an environmental issue. From a social perspective, this is also a social justice crisis that disproportionally affects marginalized communities. People with fewer opportunities, such as low-income and generally unprivileged groups, are often in a disadvantaged position since they experience the harshest consequences of rising temperatures, extreme weather, and pollution due to systemic inequalities and their limited access to resources needed for adaptation. Particularly, populations that live in vulnerable areas lack access to healthcare and have fewer resources to rebuild after disasters.
Furthermore, young people residing in these communities are negatively affected. The changing climate often functions as an obstacle for their access to sports and physical activities. Air pollution makes outdoor activities dangerous; extreme heat decreases engagement in sports; flooding and other related climate disasters ruin playgrounds and sport-related facilities. Overcoming these inequalities demands system reform, and sports can play a crucial role in this effort.
In modern times, sports have become a platform for advocating climate justice. Climate justice happens when those with greatest resources take action to safeguard vulnerable communities from the impacts of the climate crisis. Awareness is raised by athletes, sports organizations, and community-led initiatives that they use the influence of sports to address the environmental disparities and the need for sustainable change. Some examples are listed below:
- Athletes as advocates: Many famous athletes use their platforms to raise awareness about climate justice, with footballer Megan Rapinooe being a notable example. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for environmental and social justice. She believes that true equality can only be achieved when these concerns are tackled. That is why Rapinoe has worked with various environmental organizations while she encourages both companies and individuals to shift toward long-term, sustainable practices for a better future.
- Sustainable sports events: Major sports organizations are implementing sustainability initiatives to reduce the environmental impact. A characteristic example is the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, in which they incorporated a range of eco-friendly initiatives, such as crafting medals from recycled electronics and using sustainable materials in stadium construction. Also, the Games prioritized renewable energy sources, including solar power for some venues, and aimed for zero carbon emissions through carbon offset programs. Another example is UEFA, which has adopted a sustainability strategy that promotes environmental responsibility in football. The Life Tackle project supports football clubs and stadiums in reducing their carbon footprint, promoting waste reduction, and encouraging sustainable event management. It provides tools and guidelines for clubs to minimize their environmental impact through energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable transportation strategies.
- Community-Led Initiatives: Within the past few years, more and more sports programs are integrating environmental education with athletic activities. Initiatives such as tree planting programs, clean-up drives after marathons, and partnerships between local sports clubs and environmental organizations promote climate awareness. An initiative example is Nike’s community climate resilience program. To support climate resilience efforts in communities that face disproportionate environmental risks, Nike has donated $2 million to the Trust for Public Land. The initiative aims to enhance public green spaces, fostering environmental sustainability and ensuring greater inclusivity and equitable access to safe outdoor areas.
In conclusion, the intersection of sport and climate justice offers immense potential for driving meaningful change. Athletes, teams, and community organizations must continue advocating for sustainability, while policymakers and sports federations should integrate environmental policies into their frameworks. To truly achieve climate justice, we need collective action—fans, players, and governing bodies alike. Whether through reducing the carbon footprint of sporting events, promoting sustainable practices, or leveraging sports as a platform for climate activism, the world of athletics can be a powerful force for environmental equity.
Nikoleta Rousaki.
References*
European Commission. (n.d.). Consequences of climate change. European Commission. https://climate.ec.europa.eu/climate-change/consequences-climate-change_en#social-threats
International Olympic Committee (2021, July 21). All you need to know about Tokyo 2020 sustainability. https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-tokyo-2020-sustainability
Medium (2024, October 31). Megan Rapinoe: Winning on the Field, Fighting for the Environment
Murfree, J. (2022, April 21). Why the Impact of Climate Change on Spoer Is an Environmental Justice Problem. Global Sport Matters. https://live-global-sport-matter.ws.asu.edu/health/2022/04/21/climate-change-sport-environmental-justice-problem/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Nike (2022, September 19). Nike is Working with Communities to Increase Climate Resilience. https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/nike-is-working-with-communities-to-increase-climate-resilience
The Solutions Project (n.d.). Environmental & Climate Justice Issues. The Solution Project. https://thesolutionsproject.org/info/environmental-climate-justice/
The Life Tackle Project (n.d.). Life Tackle Project. Retrieved March 4, 2025, from https://lifetackle.eu/
World Bank. (2021, April 1). Social dimensions of climate change. World Bank.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/social-dimensions-of-climate-change#1
Yip, L. (2022, November 9). How Marginalised Groups Are Disproportionately Affected by Climate Change. Earth. Org. https://earth.org/marginalised-groups-are-disproportionately-affected-by-climate-change/