Emergency on Planet Sport

This pod is 27 minutes. The same duration as a flight taken by a Premier League club in 2023. The thought-provoking study released this week by BBC Sport suggests the average flight time of Premier Clubs around matches in a period between mid-January and mid-March was just 42 minutes. Short-haul domestic flying is rife in football. Everyone's at it. The players enjoy it, the clubs arrange it, the league allows it. Nobody seems to want to make the first move and stand up for the planet. Why not? And it's not just flights to games The BBC research shows planes often fly in as "ghost" arrivals from different locations in the UK in order to chauffeur the teams a short distance away. So will this study, and the debates raised as a result, lead to meaningful action? Jonathan and Melissa discuss with the man who led the research at the BBC; their Editorial Sustainability Lead, Dave Lockwood. Premier League; clubs, players and administrators; it's over to you.

Full time codes:

01:30. Melissa summarises this week's gloomy IPCC report, calling for us all to act before it's too late. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-cycle/

02:30. Jonathan re-emphasises the disconnect between this expertise and the blinkered operations of sport.

05:00 Melissa outlines how this isn't just about millionaires on private jet, it's about an industry not set up to make the necessary decisions.

07:00 We introduce Dave Lockwood, Editorial Sustainability Lead at BBC Sport.

07:30. How did Dave start gathering his research? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65017565

10:15. Did the clubs need to confirm the flights Dave had spotted were actually theirs?

12:00. Dave says the responses were mixed but led to frank conversations. Some clubs were extremely open, he says.

13:00 Jonathan agrees that the tone of the research was important; not just finger-pointing at the worst culprits but displaying a collective picture.

14:15. So how can we move forward? What are the issues? Why would clubs want to erase a perceived competitive advantage?

15:45 Melissa reckons players could get more sleep on a luxury coach rather than a fragmented journey using a very short flight.

18:30. Dave gives more detail on the most fascinating part of his research; the proliferation of "positioning flights".

20:00. Jonathan's baffled by the "madness" of a multi-phase, multi-mode journey to an away game.

22:00 Dave goes all rock and roll and envisages electric buses with beds as the future. You can have that for free, PL clubs!

23:00 Melissa spots another problem here. Clubs are reporting their carbon footprints as part of their quests to reach net zero. Did they realise positioning flights were happening and should be included?!

24:00 Dave summarises by talking about where the Premier League may go with this. People know the scale of the problem now, he says.

26:00 Dave says he's not surprised by the numbers. But his non-football-following friend was astounded. It's broken out of the bubble.

26:45 Melissa summarises her position; hoping collective ambition and innovation can help address the problem now we all know this is happening across the board.

27:00. Do we hit the 27 minute deadline? Of course we don't. I mean, we almost do. It's a good effort. It's down to Jonathan's daughter to cut us off.

Email [email protected].

Ahead of Green Football Weekend (2nd-6th February), Jonathan and Melissa get busy with some easy, everyday environmental wins, "scoring goals" for their chosen clubs!  At www.greenfootballweekend.com you can send your team soaring up the sustainability league table by achieving positive results in and around your own home.  Jonathan's been whipping up some veggie delights in the kitchen and - somewhat controversially - using rain water to wash the car!  [Looks great - Ed]. Melissa, meanwhile, is car-less in the most remote part of the UK and pledging to cut down on shower times. Good luck with that!  It's all part of the partnership between Planet League, PledgeBall, Count Us In, the FSA, BT Sport and Sky Sports, aimed at engaging the football community in easy-to-achieve sustainable living.  Jon and Mel agree; it's easy, family-friendly and just a little bit competitive!  Tom Gribbin, founder and CEO of Planet League, joins the pod to explain more.

Times Codes:

00:00. We establish Melissa is in the Outer Hebrides!  Any other podcasts come from the Outer Hebrides?!  Do get in touch!  Jonathan's been down at Southampton FC a lot recently and he talks about their big new wins in the sustainability space.

04:00. We set up Green Football Weekend; an initiative formed by Planet League, Pledgeball, Count Us In, The FSA, BT Sport and Sky Sports.  Why not cruise their website while you listen to the pod?  www.greenfootballweekend.com

05:00  Guiding us through it is Tom Gribbin, founder and CEO of Planet League (formerly Planet Super League); someone who's doing as much as anyone in the sport and sustainability space.  www.planetleague.co.uk is his website; we'll even let him off being a Nottingham Forest fan. 

06:15  Tom talks about the positive contribution of Funso Ojo, the Port Vale and Belgium midfielder.  Great work Funso!

09:00. The "Layer Up Challenge" is one of the fun ways Tom wants football fans to engage.  He talks about the challenge of making sustainability "fun".   Look out for some big names getting involved over the next few days!

10:45. Melissa wants to know more about last year's "Scope F" report, released by Tom and his team at Planet League.  Sports organisations are relatively small businesses, but with huge brand influence.  The power is in the reach and passion; we must use this more, argues Tom.  More info here: https://www.scope-f.com

15:45. Jonathan explains more about the Green Football Weekend league table and how he intends to bring the trophy home for Arsenal with his high-flying team; "XhakaSakaLaka".

17:45. Tom brainstorms ways of linking these individual efforts with the football clubs themselves; there's great creative potential here!  It really would be an easy win for clubs to align themselves with all this positive action among fanbases.

19:15. Some unexpected controversy as Melissa doubts Jonathan's car washing claims.  Tom's in the VAR booth and surely has to arrive at the common sense decision, based on video evidence. [We've checked, it's real: - Ed]

21:15.  More information on what's coming up during Green Football Weeekend from Jonathan; including mentions for Norwich City and Everton. The WSL are doing some great work and I know several broadcasters who are leaving the car at home this weekend; great job guys!

22:30.  Tom rejoins the pod to talk about presentation and language around the sport/sustainability challenge.  Planet League's all about sending a very clear message about the benefits of individual actions; whether that be saving money, reducing calories or protecting animal welfare. 

25:30.  Kitchen concoctions!  Jonathan's very pleased with his Broccoli and Pomegranate Frittata.  Melissa's sounding keen...

In time-honoured tradition, the series wraps with a (virtual) Christmas party.  This can only mean one thing; an editing nightmare for the producer.  Putting that to one side, as we so often do in the broadcast game, we welcome back several available (sorry, favourite) guests featured on the second series of the pod.  Expect to hear from Katie Cross (Pledgeball), Caroline Carlin (Southampton FC) and Fiona Morgan (Sail GP) who arrive in a variety of festive guises to join a party spirit orchestrated by Jonathan, queried by Melissa.   We reflect on 2022 in the sport and sustainability space and set some resolutions for 2023 which may, or may not, involve a challenge that J&M may regret.  So who's wearing the glasses, who brings the gin and who gets the mic-drop moment?  it's all in the Emergency on Planet Sport Christmas Party!   Enjoy and thanks for listening!

With thanks to the European Climate Foundation, Athletes of the World and the production team at NinetyFour19.  

Australia may be a nation playing catch up in the sport/sustainability space but recent events suggest its moving rapidly in the right direction, led by athletes!  Amy Steel and Emma Pocock join Jonathan and Melissa on Episode 14 to discuss playing for pride and purpose; including Donnell Wallam and the whole Australia Diamonds Netball Team, Amy's former colleagues, standing firm against an uncomfortable sponsorship and Cricket skipper Pat Cummins refusing to appear in ads for the main backer of Cricket Australia, a company which subsequently announced it wouldn't continue with the partnership.   Also on the pod we hear from Melbourne City goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, talking about the increased demands of the younger generations and the actions they want to translate as normal behaviour.  Jonathan also gets the chance to quiz the Chief Executive of Origin Energy, Frank Calabria, one of the big sponsors in Australian sport.

1.30  Our first guest is Amy Steel, former Australia Netball International.  Amy's still effected on a daily basis by the severe heat illness which wrecked her sporting career.  

2.20. Amy gives us the background to the recent stand-off between the Australian Diamonds and sponsor Hancock Prospecting (with Netball Australia in the middle). 

4.00  Jonathan explains the controversial history of the Netball Australia sponsors.

5.00. Amy tells us how Donnell Wallam bravely raised concerns with the Players Association and then Netball Australia about the deal.  

08.00. Melissa's been listening in and offers her commentary on the Donnell Wallam story; praising the bravery of the individual and the solidarity of the team.

10.30. Melissa and Amy discuss the idea of "staying in your lane" as an athlete; what that actually means and how effective athletes can be in using their voices.  

13.30. Jonathan outlines what some may feel is a conflict; the netball partnership with an energy company; Origin.  It's a chance for us to explore whether partnerships with fossil fuel providers can have upsides; depending on the track record and ambition of the company involved.

14.00. We hear from Origin Chief Executive, Frank Calabria.  He was speaking on an Origin webinar, first broadcast in October. Used with permission.

19.00  Amy gives her assessment of Origin and Frank's comments.  Are the netball players comfortable with wearing the Origin logo? 

22.10  We get a great perspective on the issue of partnerships with purpose from soccer legend Melissa Barbieri, the Melbourne City goalkeeper and Australia international.

23.45  Our next guest joins the pod; CEO of Frontrunners, Emma Pocock, almost two years since she and husband David kicked off series one!  

26.00. Emma talks about the action that has helped drive cricket's transition towards a solar future and mentions the leadership of the PFA on climate action.

29.00. More from Melissa Barbieri on the demands of the younger generations at Melbourne City. "Some things are actually more important to us", she says.

31.00. Emma Pocock reacts to Melissa's comments and says increased expectation of clubs is mirrored across the work she does with Frontrunners.

34.30. Jonathan's interested to learn more about Pat Cummins' stance in a sport with fossil fuel sponsors. Emma discusses the delicate balance which needs to be struck. 

40.00. Melissa says scrutiny is so important, such as in the British Cycling deal with Shell.  

41.30. Emma says athletes rarely want to expose themselves to commenting in public.  Those who do are so courageous, says Emma.

Track and Field is our focus on Episode 13 as we hear from two current World Champions and Bob Ramsak, Head of Sustainability at World Athletics, joins the pod.  This is a sport experiencing significant impact due to changes to our climate; the marathon at the Tokyo Olympics not only changed start time but completely moved its location, while US trials had entire sessions cancelled because of rising temperatures in Eugene, Oregon.   As guardians of a truly global sport, World Athletics is well aware of the threat in certain regions and has moved swiftly to engage its athletes and step up its licensing requirements.  On this episode, we hear from a number of athletes who are making their voices heard on the most important topic of all, the future of the planet, including reigning world champions Tobi Amusan and Kelsey-Lee Barber.  Bob talks about how bids for the 2027 World Championships will need to hit certain "gold standards" of sustainability and the recent attempts at climate communication education around its Diamond League meetings.  Jonathan and Melissa also find time to reflect on the first week of the FIFA World Cup and the disappointing lack of protest among the competing nations. Plus Marmite Toast.

00.00. Jonathan and Melissa discuss the first week of the FIFA World Cup and the lack of protest, with an honourable mention for Germany.

05:00.  We introduce our guest on the pod; Bob Ramsak, Head of Sustainability for World Athletics.

17:30.  Contributions from Kelsey-Lee Barber (Australia) and Tobi Amusan (Nigeria), two current World Champions.

21:30.  Contributions from Sam Matiss (USA) and Ernest John Obiena (Philippines).

26:30.  Contributions from Hugues Fabrice Zango (Burkina Faso) and Eliza McCartney (New Zealand).

If the business case for taking a sustainable approach to sport isn't clear enough already, it will be after listening to Jamie Farndale.  The Scotland Rugby 7s international, our guest on Episode 12, takes a "people, planet, profit" approach and everything he says makes sense.  If making a profit is ultimately about making people feel good, then those profits should be driven back into helping protect humanity; in other words make us feel good about life (or what's left of it).  Sport can be that driver, he believes, and in this inspirational conversation with Melissa Wilson and Jonathan Overend, he talks about his personal experiences on the Rugby field and his learnings in the business sector.  As the chat broadens out, we discuss the existential threat to Rugby in the Pacific Islands and his experience as a Sustainability Captain at the Commonwealth Games, a new initiative which has potential to broaden out across sport.  

How is the self-styled "best league in the world" leading on climate action?  In reality, it's a mixed picture with a shortage of league-wide gravitas on the vital issue impacting the very future of the game.  The English Premier League, with all its component parts including 20 clubs and over 500 players, is yet to realise the full potential of its global influence; influence far greater than it currently imagines.  So while it's undeniably time to collectively up our ambition, the more proactive wing of the league is driving change. Two of the more forward-thinking figures in the league join us on the pod; Southampton Sustainability Manager Caroline Carlin and Brighton's Chief Operating Officer Paul Mullen.  Will climate action be part of future licensing requirements?  How do clubs react when supporters challenge them on matters of sustainability?  And what about that great elephant-in-the-room (sky); internal flights to away games?   Once Jonathan has dried off from Chelsea v Arsenal, he joins Melissa to pose these questions and more.  It remains a struggle to convince more top-flight players to fight for the planet upon which their sport relies. The danger remains, therefore, that clubs will be reluctant to make the big, sweeping decisions required to make meaningful change.  We can but hope.  In joining the pod and making the voice of their clubs heard, Caroline and Paul are leading the way on this and hopefully encouraging others to join the mission to make The Premier League realise its enormous influence on the most important topic of all.  With thanks to all at Southampton FC and Brighton and Hove Albion FC.

Time Codes:

2.30.  Caroline Carlin, Sustainability Manager, Southampton FC, on their journey from Sport Positive relegation zone to multiple award winners!

10.30. Paul Mullen, Chief Operating Officer, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, on league licensing requirements and whether clubs appreciate the influence they have.

17.00. Commentary from Melissa; particularly on shared standards across the clubs. Jonathan asks we're brave and set 'gold standards'.

19.30. There's an elephant in the room. Or, more pertinently, in the skies.  Domestic air travel is a live issue and an uncomfortable one for Premier League clubs.

20.00. Paul Mullen on player transport, followed by Caroline Carlin.

25.00. Commentary from Melissa and Jonathan including some ideas we'd love to put to the Premier League! It's a logistical challenge, but as Graham Potter says, something we must be looking at.

31.00. More sustainability initiatives from our south coast Premier League clubs.  Caroline Carlin takes us on a tour of the concourse.

33.30. An amazing moment as Caroline reveals how one supporter forced a complete shift in 1st team club policy.

35.00. At Brighton, Paul Mullen talks about the plan to increase solar energy thanks to the roof of the Amex Stadium.

41.00. There is a chain of influence in the Premier League so it's vital those with influential roles step forward. Final word, to Brighton board member Paul Mullen.

"Football can change the world!" So proclaimed the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, in May 2022 at the World Economic Forum.  Purposeful social impact, to use soccer as a power for good; could it be true?!  Was this the seismic shift from the all-powerful governing body many had been waiting for?? Alas, just a fortnight before the start of the World Cup in Qatar, a message to, effectively, "stick to football" was sent to the 32 competing nations.  That, combined with a carbon neutral pledge which is being challenged to advertising standards, means FIFA is under the microscope yet again.  Football players and football fans respond in this hard-hitting episode.  Yes, we're 'sticking to football' by trying to protect it in a time of climate crisis!  Jonathan and Melissa are joined by Frank Huisinng from Fossil Free Football, Freddie Daley from the New Weather Institute, Jamie Cornacchia from We Play Green and League One professional player David Wheeler of Wycombe Wanderers.  

Guest Time Codes:

00:00  Melissa on her Euro-railing adventure

01:30  Jonathan gets *very* wet on the way to Chelsea v Arsenal

05:30  Frank Huisingh from Fossil Free Football outlines the nature of the complaints about FIFA's carbon neutral claim.

07:00  Freddie Daley from New Weather Insitute explains more about the complaints to advertising regulators.

Frank and Freddie go onto discuss how FIFA should have played it, the mistakes they believe have been made and the importance of reinventing global football for the climate-crisis era. 

22:45  Melissa's commentary on the conversation with Frank and Freddie and the likelihood of successful challenges to the FIFA carbon neutral claims.

24:00  For the benefit of those unaware, Jonathan asks what the problem is here.  What are the dangers of FIFA claiming their competition is carbon neutral?

26:00  David Wheeler, professional footballer in England's League One with Wycombe Wanderers, explains why he signed a letter protesting to FIFA.

27:45  Jamie Cornacchia explains about the work of We Play Green, a non-profit formed to harness the power of footballers around the world for socially responsible issues.

David and Jamie go onto discuss the role of athletes in big issues such as the fight against climate change.  They talk about whether the conversation will continue once Qatar 2022 begins, why some players find it hard to speak out and - very much tongue in cheek - what David would do if he received a dramatic call up for England!  Then, the big statements.  David believes it would take a boycott of the World Cup to drive home the importance of these messages.  Jamie doesn't see why it couldn't be possible.  David agrees it's unlikely, but "cool if it happened".

45:00. Jonathan and Melissa reflect on what they've heard.  We balance things with FIFA's statement on their sustainability policy.  Jonathan ends with a message to his colleagues.

Links: 

https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/president/news/fifa-president-football-can-change-the-world

https://www.weplaygreen.com

https://www.newweather.org

https://fossilfreefootball.com

While Melissa continues her exploration of Europe's finest budget rail-routes (while working hard, it should be noted), Jonathan's at the BASIS Sustainable Sport Awards in London!   Join him at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge Stadium to meet some of the great success stories in UK sport and sustainability thanks to the organisation right at the heart of the sector; the British Association for Sustainable Sport.   Dr Russell Seymour, Executive Chair, joins the pod to reflect on another busy and constructive year for the organisation; seen as the hub for all positive work in this space.   Then, as the envelopes are opened, we're joined by a selection of the award winners, including Birmingham County FA, The World Sailing Trust and Planet Earth Games.  Then, almost inevitably, we end up in the pub.   There are great people working at the intersection of sport and sustainability; thanks to everyone who appeared on this show, had a chat or shared a drink. Here's to 2023!

Guest List, time codes and web links:

00:00  Dr Russell Seymour, BASIS.  More information on The British Association for Sustainable Sport can be found at: www.basis.org.uk

06:45  Chris Broadbent, Planet Earth Games: "Sustainable School Games".  More information on Planet Earth Games can be found at www.planetearthgames.org

12:20  Sam, Rebecca & Mark, HUBBUB: "Manchester is Green".  More information can be found at www.hubbub.org.uk/manchester-is-green-the-challenge

20:55  Victoria Low, World Sailing Trust: "Carbon Fibre Circular Alliance".  More information can be found at www.worldsailingtrust.org/carbon-fibre-circular-alliance

25:40. John Grindrod, Tiger Up and Sportex Group: Recycling facility for artificial pitches,  More information at: https://www.tigerup.co.uk/sport/

30:35. Richard Lindsay, Birmingham County FA: "Save Today, Play Tomorrow".  More information at: www.birminghamfa.com/about/save-today-play-tomorrow

Before Melissa heads off on a trip of a lifetime, we turn the spotlight on the sports media with Episode Eight.  Yes, that's us!   We go behind the scenes at Sky Sports, IMG Studios and Bafta Albert to find out how the Sports Media landscape is changing, both in terms of editorial priorities and also production impacts.  Jonathan brings his perspective as a veteran of 25 years in the media game, we're joined by Sky presenter David Garrido, IMG's Head of Production Mary-Claire Gill and Katy Tallon from BAFTA Albert.  There's rapid change in so many areas of our work and sustainability is at the heart of much of it.  (Although Jonathan is sceptical about the speed of change had it not been for Covid-19).  Melissa brings her usual sharp analysis before rummaging for her passport.

Times Codes:

02:00. Jonathan talks about the change he's noticed in the industry including covering events "off tube" for the first time.

05:30  David Garrido from Sky Sports talks about his work at the satellite broadcaster and the challenges he faces on and off air.

14:00  We now go behind the scenes at one of the big beasts of the production world; IMG Studios.  What's the challenge for Outside Broadcasts and sport productions?  We ask Head of Production Mary-Claire Gill.

27:00 BAFTA Albert, the organisation for sustainability in TV and Film, helps advise producers on reducing their impact on the environment but also work on the influence of on-screen opportunities.  We speak to Katy Tallon, who heads their Sports Consortium.

38:00. Melissa wants to put a few questions to Jonathan as someone who currently works in the Sports Media and has done for more than 25 years.  Are things really changing?  Can broadcasters do more?  Are people committed?

A NinetyFour19 Production.