Sports, Climate Change and Legal Liability

In March, we launched a report, Sports, Climate Change and Legal Liability, alongside the Environmental Defenders Office. 

The report is a first of its kind, analysing the legal risks climate change poses to sport. Sports, climate change and legal liability is a direct response to mounting pressure on sporting organisations from commercial partners, fans, athletes and mandatory disclosure requirements to take more action amid an escalating climate crisis. 

We’re starting to see leading sporting organisations around the world begin to take a leadership position on climate. However, back in Australia, most sporting bodies have not yet integrated climate risk and climate action into their business plans. The report maps the implications climate change has for sports governance, including key liability risks, to various stakeholders and the practical responses available to sporting organisations. It makes a compelling case for sport to seriously and comprehensively grapple with the risks climate presents to their future. 

Climate action isn’t just a “nice to have” for sports organisations; it’s a key business risk. This report provides a clear rationale for action, and recommendations on how organisations should begin the work. 

Sports, climate change and legal liability makes clear that we all have a responsibility to ensure the future is a safe one for employees, athletes, fans, members and community.