The Climate of Sport

This week's climate hat-trick stories all share a common theme: risk and resilience. From cricket bats to philanthropic funding and heat-related health risks, Claire dives into the consequences of the climate crisis on sport and the opportunities where sport can drive change for a better future.

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Story 1: Stumped for wood, bamboo bats offer cricket a substitute to leather on willow

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/sep/28/bamboo-bats-offer-cricket-substitute-leather-on-willow-the-hotspot

Story 2: Climate, sport, and philanthropy: A missed goal or a new playing field?

https://www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/climate-sport-and-philanthropy-a-missed-goal-or-a-new-playing-field/

Story 3: How serious is the risk of heat death in sport?

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/cvgyn9w23y9o

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Live from Porto this week, Claire explores the latest headlines in this week's Climate Hat Trick. From sport’s responsibility to use its cultural influence for climate action, to new tools to tackle greenwashing and improve sustainability reporting practices (thanks to the GARFIELD Project), Claire takes a closer look at sport's role in the climate conversation. She also looks at two examples of climate impacts already being felt from Europe to North America.

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Story 1: The climate responsibility of cultural influencers

The climate responsibility of cultural influencers - https://www.nature.com/articles/s44168-026-00427-6

We Have a Climate Imagination Problem - https://time.com/article/2026/09/21/we-have-a-climate-imagination-problem/

Story 2: GARFIELD conference, greenwashing and reporting

GARFIELD - www.garfield-eu.org/

Story 3: Two quite harrowing stories on climate impacts on sport

Climate Change Forces Permanent Closure of Austrian Ski Area - https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/article317339600.html

Final end for the Unterberg ski area - https://www.schigebiet-unterberg.at/

Nashville turf temp of 157 degrees melts cleats, sends Sirianni for IV - https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49995389/turf-temps-157-f-nashville-melts-cleats

@NFLonFOX: When in Nashville - https://x.com/NFLonFOX/status/2101736833084428667

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Claire is back from her Great Wall of China to bring you this week's Climate Hat Trick and explore the question: What happens when a changing climate challenges existing systems in sport?

From the challenges of operating a sustainable outdoor gear brand to rising safety concerns in grassroots sport and the Vuelta a España, Claire connects the dots on three news stories at different levels and industries within sport to explore the wider impact on the relationship between climate and sport.

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This week's Climate Hat-Trick stories:

Story 1: Sustainable outdoor gear

Salomon wants to make outdoor gear more circular, but its sustainability boss admits there’s one very big problem - https://www.t3.com/active/outdoors/salomon-circularity-marie-laure-piednoir-interview-0926

Story 2: Dutch amateur football - too hot to play?

Amateur footballers to face more heat stress in future matches due to climate change - https://nltimes.nl/2026/09/12/amateur-footballers-face-heat-stress-future-matches-due-climate-change

KNMI and KNVB investigate the future of amateur football in a changing climate - https://www.knmi.nl/over-het-knmi/nieuws/KNMI-en-KNVB-onderzoeken-de-toekomst-van-amateurvoetbal-in-een-veranderend-klimaat

Heatwaves, droughts, storms, winter rains and floods: French football faces the challenge of climate change - https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Canicule-secheresse-orages-pluies-hivernales-et-inondations-le-football-francais-face-au-defi-du-changement-climatique/1710239

Story 3: Vuelta a Espana cycling at 44°C

Vuelta a Espana race director on extreme heat, safety and cycling’s calendar: ‘High temperatures have always existed’ - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7572215/2026/09/08/vuelta-race-director-interview-heat-safety/

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This week, on The Climate of Sport presents three different stories that bring different angles, and gives some food for thought. Claire breaks down ten actionable steps we can all take to combat the climate crisis, Australia’s shortened snow season, and why sustainability is entering sport investment decisions.

Next week, Claire is taking on a challenging 5-day trek across the Great Wall of China, in a bid to raise funds towards CoppaFeel. Support her here.

** Claire's Great Wall of China trek for CoppaFeel! : https://www.justgiving.com/page/claire-poole?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL **

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Story 1: 10 things athletes, fans, and outdoor advocates can do about the climate crisis - https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/08/10-things-athletes-fans-and-outdoor-advocates-can-do-about-climate-change/

Story 2: Australia Snow Season Cut Short...Again

Australia's warm winter puts pressure on alpine tourism as snow season ends early - https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/australias-warm-winter-puts-pressure-on-alpine-tourism-as-snow-season-ends-early

The Financing Gap in Sports: Unlocking a $2.5 Trillion Opportunity - https://www.apollo.com/insights-news/insights/2025/12/the-financing-gap-in-sports-unlocking-a-dollar-2-5-trillion-opportunity

Story 3: How sustainability factors into sport investment and assets - https://insidersport.com/2026/08/26/sustainability-value-in-sports-assets/

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Claire is back with this week's Climate Hat Trick to explore the reality behind the headlines from football pitches in France to athlete villages in Japan, basketball courts in the United States and cricket stadiums in the UK.

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CoppaFeel!: https://coppafeel.org/

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Story 1: Vulnerability of French football due to the climate crisis revealed

Heatwaves, droughts, storms, winter rains and floods: French football faces the challenge of climate change - https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Canicule-secheresse-orages-pluies-hivernales-et-inondations-le-football-francais-face-au-defi-du-changement-climatique/1710239

Scratch of the day: local football season postponed due to ‘rock hard’ pitches - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/08/scratch-of-the-day-local-football-season-postponed-due-to-rock-hard-pitches

Community Rugby season delay: RFU statement - https://www.englandrugby.com/follow/news-and-media/statement-start-competitive-community-rugby-season

Story 2: 25 days until the Asian Games

The Sustainability Concept for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games - https://www.asianparagames-2026.org/en/tournament/sdgs/

Cruise Ship and Containers Form Eco-Friendly Asian Games Village - https://www.chosun.com/english/world-en/2026/08/19/EVD7GPE655HUVF5SSEIQKDQIBY/

Oil tanker breaches Hormuz heading to Nagoya… The eco-friendly paradox of an oil port city [Hwang Deok-hyeon’s Climate Commentary] - https://www.news1.kr/society/environment/6167945

Story 3: What does a basketball match in Indiana and cricket match in Birmingham have in common?

Edgbaston launches annual Go Green Game to champion cricket's sustainable future - https://www.edgbaston.com/media-article/edgbaston-launches-annual-go-green-game-to-champion-crickets-sustainable-future

Bikes & Buckets - https://go.feverbasketball.com/tickets/theme-nights/bikes-and-buckets

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This week's The Climate of Sport is all about evolving our thinking in new areas. Claire takes a deeper look at AI sponsorship in sport, and how it might be the new fossil fuel sponsorship, plus more climate impacts and adaptations happening across the world from Mont Blanc to Seoul. 

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Story 1: Are sports organisations repeating the fossil-fuel sponsorship playbook with AI?

Universities Are Now TEACHING Students to Use AI — Here's What Changed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhxJ5wYf3xo

AI boom means US is now ‘investing more’ in fossil-fuel power than China - https://www.carbonbrief.org/ai-boom-means-us-is-now-investing-more-in-fossil-fuel-power-than-china?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Big tech’s lofty climate goals wrecked by energy-hungry AI - https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jul/06/ai-climate-crisis?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

AI-driven productivity gains enable more CO₂ emissions than they avoid in a global energy–economy model - https://www.nature.com/articles/s44168-026-00411-0?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Story 2: Montblanc refuges closed in another climate impact on sport

Mont Blanc Refuges Closed Due to Rockfall Danger - https://explorersweb.com/mont-blanc-refuges-closed-due-to-rockfall-danger/

Thirty-two Alpinists Ignore Mont Blanc Warnings, Are Denied Free Helicopter Rescue - https://explorersweb.com/thirty-two-alpinists-ignore-mont-blanc-warnings-are-denied-free-helicopter-rescue/

Story 3: South Korea players want K League season change due to ‘worsening climate’

South Korea players want K League season change due to ‘worsening climate’ - https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/8/14/south-korea-players-want-k-league-season-change-due-to-worsening-climate

J.League Enters a New Era in Step with the World as the 2026/27 MEIJI YASUDA J.League Season Kicks Off - https://www.jleague.jp/en/news/article/34622/?navicode=j1

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This week, on The Climate of Sport, Claire dives into how a changing climate is increasingly shaping where, when and how sport can take place. From drought to suspected heatstroke fatalities and water quality concerns, the realities of the climate crisis raise the question: how much can sport really adapt?

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Story 1: Reality bites when adaptations in sport can only go so far.

Scratch of the day: local football season postponed due to ‘rock hard’ pitches: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/08/scratch-of-the-day-local-football-season-postponed-due-to-rock-hard-pitches

More areas of UK likely to move into drought as fifth heatwave builds: https://www.bbc.com/weather/articles/c9d8vwg0197o

Story 2: Suspected heatstroke takes the life of another young athlete

Fijian rugby player, 26, dies after suspected heatstroke at training in Japan: https://japantoday.com/category/sports/fijian-rugby-player-saimoni-vunilagi-26-dies-after-suspected-heatstroke-at-training-in-japan

Rugby community gathers for funeral of Luqobo Makwedini after heatstroke tragedy in France: https://iol.co.za/news/2026-08-01-rugby-community-gathers-for-funeral-of-luqobo-makwedini-after-heatstroke-tragedy-in-france/

Story 3: European Aquatic Championship in the Seine.

European Aquatics Championships Paris 2026, Open Water Swimming: https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/european-aquatics-championships-paris-2026-open-water-swimming/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX01UMVNJUEEwMDBQN0tGN0c

Bettina Fábián's Instagram Story https://x.com/swimupdates/status/2069801898077802784?s=46

@Bettiifabian TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettiifabian/video/7670618310454693142?is_from_webapp=1&web_id=7667089107188778518

European Aquatics Cancels Training Session in Seine River Amid Traces of Hydrocarbons: https://swimswam.com/european-aquatics-cancels-training-session-in-seine-river-amid-traces-of-hydrocarbons/

High divers take the plunge in the Seine in a new test of Paris’ reclaimed river: https://www.cp24.com/news/world/2026/08/08/high-divers-take-the-plunge-in-the-seine-in-a-new-test-of-paris-reclaimed-river/

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This week, on the Climate of Sport podcast, Claire uncovers what the Premier League's new sponsorship shift reveals about the ever-changing business of sport, extreme heat extending beyond professional sports to hit the grassroots level and Ahmedabad's plans for an ambitious 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Register for Sport Positive Summit now: www.sportpositivesummit.com

This week's Climate Hat-Trick stories:

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Story 1: Shirt Sponsor Shift.

2 Premier League Clubs Yet to Replace Gambling Shirt Sponsors After League-Wide Ban - https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2-premier-league-clubs-yet-to-replace-gambling-shirt-sponsors-after-league-wide-ban-171600071.html

UK to crack down on unlicensed casinos sponsoring football teams -https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jul/12/uk-unlicensed-casinos-football-sponsorship-gambling-commission

UK: EPL clubs announce kit betting sponsorships ahead of ban -https://sigma.world/news/epl-clubs-announce-betting-sponsorships-ahead-ban/

Story 2: The Ripples of Youth Sport

High school football players endure triple-digit temperatures on first day of practice - https://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/story/2026-07-27/high-school-football-players-battle-through-triple-digit-temperatures

Extreme Heat Is Rewriting The Rules Of Youth Sports - https://www.forbes.com/sites/we-dont-have-time/2026/07/28/extreme-heat-is-rewriting-the-rules-of-youth-sports/

It’s getting more dangerous for kids to play summer sports - https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/07/its-getting-more-dangerous-for-kids-to-play-summer-sports/

Sport Participation for Academic Success: Evidence From the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38141604/

Youth sports participation and health status in early adulthood: A 12-year follow-up - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32477851/

Health-related outcomes of youth sport participation: a systematic review and meta-analysis - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12220085/

Effects of Early Sport Participation on Self-esteem and Happiness - https://thesportjournal.org/article/effects-of-early-sport-participation-on-self-esteem-and-happiness/

How community football is helping youth stay out of trouble - https://www.positive.news/society/how-community-football-is-helping-youth-stay-out-of-trouble/

Story 3: India's Been Passed the Baton and They Are Keeping It Green

Ahmedabad to set new benchmarks for accessibility, sustainability at 2030 Commonwealth Games - https://m.rediff.com/amp/sports/report/ahmedabad-2030-commonwealth-games-a-focus-on-accessibility-sustainability-and-infrastructure/20260803.htm

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This week's climate hat-trick focuses on sport business growth, sponsorship and investment as well as event operations and logistics. Claire Poole explores FIFA’s $20 billion growth ambitions, how the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is showing us that the future of mega sports events might be less mega, and whether the existing sporting calendar needs to be rethought due to the impacts of the climate crisis – all through a climate lens.

Sport Positive Awards 2026 Shortlists: https://awards.sportpositivesummit.com/

@gianni_infantino ‼️My message for all those who…‼️

https://www.instagram.com/p/DbRfdfdCFIS/

Ekaterina Alexandrova collapses on court amid 34C heat

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/c80nk83k88vo

Final stage of 2026 Tour de France shortened due to French wildfires, Montmartre circuit still included

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/tour-de-france/final-stage-of-2026-tour-de-france-shortened-due-to-french-wildfires-montmartre-circuit-still-included

Stage 9 of Tour de France shortened amid 'red alert' heatwave warning in central France

https://www.cyclingnews.com/pro-cycling/racing/stage-9-of-tour-de-france-shortened-amid-red-alert-heatwave-warning-in-central-france/

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This week's Climate Hat-Trick stories:

Story 1: The Price of Growth, what FIFA's latest plan could mean for climate.

Infantino’s World Cup plan is part of a desire for expansion that was clear from the start

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/29/gianni-infantino-fifa-president-world-cup-commercial-rights-plan

World Cup for sale? FIFA's controversial plans explained

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49478527/world-cup-sale-fifa-controversial-plans-explained

Story 2: Glasgow, showing us that the future of mega sport events might be less mega.

Glasgow’s Hospitality Sector Goes All In To Deliver A Sustainable Welcome For Glasgow 2026

https://www.glasgow2026.com/news/4537754/glasgow-s-hospitality-sector-goes-all-in-to-deliver-a-sustainable-welcome-for-glasgow-2026

Low-cost Glasgow Games can be ‘blueprint for next 100 years’

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/low-cost-blueprint-for-glasgow-2026-commonwealth-games-fit-for-100-years-6lxtzljjx

Story of Change: The Reimagined Games

https://www.glasgow2026.com/about/story-of-change

Commonwealth Games Kick Off With Focus On Sustainability

https://m.rediff.com/sports/report/glasgow-2026-commonwealth-games-opens-with-fresh-start/20260724.htm

Supporting athletes to speak up for sustainability

https://www.sportengland.org/blogs/supporting-athletes-speak-sustainability

Speaking Up For Sustainability

https://teamengland.org/MILK003992-TE-Sustainability-Toolkit-A4-2pp%20HR.pdf

As Tea Cake entrances go…😲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbLLYg9NveK/

Story 3: First come, first served. Who owns the sporting calendar in a warming world?

Tadej Pogacar urges radical overhaul of Tour de France amid stifling heatwave

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/12/tadej-pogacar-tour-de-france-2026-heatwave-calendar-ninth-stage-mathieu-van-der-poel-cycling

New calendar likely because of climate change - Coe

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/articles/c5yj0wyje7lo

FIFA may be forced to considerably delay 2034 Saudi Arabian World Cup

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fifa-may-forced-considerably-delay-160328515.html

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Claire opens up this week's episode with a round-up of the Men's World Cup 2026. She covers what we learned over the course of the last five weeks - and big questions that remain.

Brent Suter, Los Angeles Angels pitcher, Harvard Environmental Science alumnus and 2025 Marvin Miller Man of the Year, then joins Claire for an earnest conversation on how climate change is already reshaping baseball. While building his career competing at the highest level, Brent gives insight into his own journey and the reality of being one of the few active professional athletes to openly advocate for climate action and environmental stewardship.

Nomimate/Vote for Us for Listener's Choice Award 2026 - https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/listeners-choice-2026

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This week's FIFA Men's World Cup roundup::

What World Cup Hydration Breaks Tell Us About the Times We Live In

FIFA admits hydration breaks may not continue after World Cup criticism

Over 100 people suffer from heat exhaustion during FIFA Fan Festival on opening day

Why World Cup hydration breaks have media 'salivating'

Thick wildfire smoke lingers over Mid-Atlantic early Saturday

FACT SHEET: Climate change and wildfires

World Rugby: Heat & Air Quality Guidelines 2025

World Athletics: Local Environment and Air Quality Monitoring - Best Practice Guidance & Examples

Tennis AU: Extreme Weather Policy

Aramco Protests

Guadalajara protesters accuse Hyundai of using World Cup to hide ‘dirty supply chain’

FIFA delivers tree planting initiative across all FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host Cities

FIFA Every Throw-In Counts Campaign

National Security - Lt General Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE | National Emergency Briefing

The 2030 World Cup in Morocco, Portugal and Spain may bring even more dangerous heat than 2026

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