AusLeisure

UN Climate Change has launched online, free Sports for Climate Action training courses - designed to support sports organisations from local clubs to international governing bodies in adopting and implementing sustainable practices that reduce their environmental impact.

The training was developed with the support of sportswear giant adidas as part of its ‘Move for the Planet’ initiative, which aims to harness the power of sporting communities to promote sustainability and climate action.

Through the UN Climate Change Sports for Climate Action Initiative, sports organisations can become catalysts for environmental responsibility, community engagement and global collaboration.

Launched in 2018, the Sports for Climate Action Framework provides guidance for climate action and environmental sustainability in the sports sector – leveraging the global reach of sport to raise awareness and drive systemic change. With over 250 members, the initiative continues to grow as a powerful force for transformation across the industry.

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell noted “Providing opportunities for learning and training, as well as the opportunity to connect with others across the wider sports community is one way we are able to support sports communities to take action. Through Sports for Climate Action, we encourage sports organisations to take meaningful steps-whether by making events more sustainable, reducing their carbon footprint, or using their platforms to inspire fans and communities.”

UN Climate Change has partnered with adidas and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to tap into the potential of sport as a universal force for unity and collective climate action at the local level.

Ashley Czarnowski, Senior Director of Global Purpose Marketing at adidas added “we’re delighted to welcome back ‘Move for the Planet’ for a third year. It’s an extremely important initiative that helps to support sporting communities facing the effects of extreme weather.  With the continued expansion of sports and projects included in ‘Move for the Planet’, we can’t wait to see the movement and impact grow even further.”

Explore the Courses:
Introduction to Sports for Climate Action: Designed for all those interested in how sports and climate change intersect, this course explores how sport contributes to and is affected by climate change, and what can be done to build a more sustainable, resilient sports sector. It comprises four short modules (about 1 hour and 20 minutes in total) featuring interactive lessons, videos, quizzes and practical activities.

Sports for Climate Action: Geared primarily toward staff of sports organisations, this advanced course builds on the introductory course and offers actionable strategies for integrating climate considerations into operations, business planning, and stakeholder engagement. The course includes five in-depth modules (about 4 hours in total) with case studies, expert interviews, and practical exercises.

Both courses are fully online, self-paced and free of charge and have been developed by UNITAR  and are available on UN CC: e-Learn platform. 

What’s next?
A dedicated training series for grassroots sports NGOs is on the way, aimed at empowering local communities with the knowledge and tools they need to co-design climate solutions that reflect their realities and priorities. This upcoming initiative will further extend the reach of the Sports for Climate Action Initiative, ensuring that climate action through sport is inclusive, community-led and impactful.

More information on the Sports for Climate Action Framework 

Image. Credit: Pexels

Related Articles

10th April 2025 - Diving industry supports more urgent action from government on climate impact  

27th January 2025 - Environmental Defenders Office releases guidance on grassroots sport and climate change

23rd January 2025 - Public Health Association of Australia urges action on Obesity, Gambling and Climate

9th December 2024 - New Zealand Government appoints new Climate Change Commission Chair

20th November 2024 - World Athletics video highlight impacts of climate change on sport

13th November 2024 - New study shows effective action can reduce impact of climate change on winter sport

11th October 2024 - Inaugural Sport Positive Awards recognise initiatives that promote climate and biodiversity

30th August 2024 - Western Australian Golf Courses recognise reality of climate change

8th August 2024 - World Aquatics commits to UN Sports for Climate Action Framework

7th August 2024 - International Olympic Committee names finalists for Climate Action Awards 2024

2nd July 2024 - Hockey Australia reveals its new Climate Sustainability Strategy

9th June 2024 - Surfers for Climate dismayed at Victorian Government’s approval of gas drilling near 12 Apostles

18th March 2024 - Federal Government announces new appointments to Climate Change Authority

13th March 2024 - Climate change poses increasing legal risk for Australian sports bodies

16th November 2023 - Climate change, sport equality and new technologies among topics discussed at SportAccord’s IF Forum 2023

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.