The Climate of Sport
The Climate of Sport is your weekly fast-take on the biggest stories in sport, through the lens of forces reshaping the game. From extreme weather to sustainability, and the business realities behind it, we break down what’s happening, what it means, and why it matters for sports organisations, athletes, leagues, sponsors, investors, fans and participants.
Sport is entering a new era. Climate impacts are already affecting how events are played, scheduled, and delivered, while sustainability is becoming central to governance, funding, and commercial strategy. For those working in the sport ecosystem, investors, and leaders, understanding these shifts isn’t optional, it’s essential. This podcast gives you the context behind the headlines and a front-row seat to the biggest changes shaping the future of sport.
Subscribe and download now. Get in touch at: hello@theclimateofsport.com, our website www.sportpositive.org/podcast or via our socials.
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Episodes
54 episodes
OverHeated Rivalry: A FIFA World Cup 2026 Special
Climate risk at FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 is the one factor that could impact everything from scheduling to tournament delivery, squad performance, fan experience, broadcast timings, commercials and financial risk.Very few people are tal...
Energy Hits Cricket, Cabo Verde’s World Cup Moment and the Paris Marathon Debate
Claire is back with this week's Climate Hat Trick, exploring three hot stories at the intersection of climate change, sustainability, and sport. This week's news emphasises how climate pressure continues to change how sport is scheduled, design...
From Earthrise to Earthset: Climate, Sport, and the Action Gap
We know more about our planet than ever. So what happens when sport’s growth meets planetary limits?With the Artemis II mission dominating the news, Claire reflects on the iconic Earthrise moment from 1968 and what has changed since then...
A new era of sport leadership: impact and navigating change
In this special roundup episode, host Claire and producer Nyla explore leadership in sport, sustainability, and climate action, sharing insights and themes from the recent Leadership Series. Featuring expert voices, seven key themes...
"All 60 clubs have to win this game" - How J.League is driving sustainability in football
In this episode, Claire sits down with an incredible sustainability leader from the world of football in Japan.Takayuki Tsujii, Sustainability Executive Officer at J. League, shares how sustainability is being embedded into Japanese foot...
Formula E on B Corp Certification: "Our mission is to inspire people living a more sustainable lifestyle"
Today, Claire is joined by Julia Palle, Vice President of Sustainability at Formula E, a leading expert on sustainability in motorsport and the international elite sport industry. Julia shares the journey of Formula E becoming the world's first...
Women's Super League Reduces Carbon Footprint While Growing
Claire speaks with Hannah Buckley, Head of Infrastructure, Safety & Sustainability at the Women's Super League. Recorded ahead of the Subway WSL Cup Final, this episode dives into how the league is approaching sustainability leadership at t...
"You heard it hear first" - Sport England on sustainability reporting
Today, Claire is joined by Denise Ludlam, Environmental Sustainability Strategic Lead, Sport England. Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England, also joins for the quickfire round.What happens when climate action becomes non-negotiable in c...
Hayley Ladd's Secret to Avoiding Burnout: Pro Athlete Life
Today, Claire is joined by Hayley Ladd, professional footballer for Crystal Palace & Wales and an MBA graduate. They discuss leadership, environmental sustainability, and the future of women’s football, with Hayley offering a unique perspec...
"They go hand in hand": Donna Fraser OBE on EDI and sustainability
Today, Claire is joined by Donna Fraser OBE, a four-time Olympic sprinter, global sports leader, and one of the most respected voices on inclusion, integrity, and sustainability in sport. They discuss bridging elite performance, governance, and...
FREE KICKS Special
In this special episode, host Claire Poole is joined by Rafa Muela (Real Betis Foundation), Teresa Santos (FC Porto), and Alessio Novi (Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies) to celebrate the wins, learnings, and legacy of the FREE KICKS project...
AMA #8: What role should technology play in sustainability and sport?
Today we explore the role of technology in supporting environmental sustainability efforts in sport, and how it has to be in lockstep with behaviour change if we are to see real impact
AMA #7: What is sport doing around recycling?
Today we take a look at the role of recycling in sport and explore if recycling is truly worthwhile. What sport is doing to tackle all the waste from food and drink, packaging, materials, apparel, merchandise,...
AMA #6: How do you invest in sustainability in temporary events?
Today we highlight key elements to consider, from inventory, procurement, circularity, engaging your value chain, travel, community, legacy and learning from other industries to address: How do you invest in sustainability in temporary events?<...
AMA #5: IWD 2024 - How can we invest in women to accelerate action?
Today we explore the scope and significance of investing in women as part of the Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress theme for International Women's Day 2024. From mentorship, supporting working mums, trainin...
AMA #4: Empowering Climate-Conscious Athletes
Today we uncover how athletes who want to have a voice on climate can feel empowered, brave, and enabled to do so. Shout out to Simon for his questions and a huge thanks to experts Melissa Wilson, Emma Pocock,...
AMA #3: Jobs, Recruitment and Training in Sports Sustainability
Today we're talking about what recruitment, training and job roles look like in the sports sector in two different ways. Firstly for leadership; is recruiting environmental experts better than training up curr...
AMA #2: Where should clubs start?
Today we talk about how sports clubs can get started on their sports sustainability journey. From data collection, taking action, procurement, partnerships, connecting with internal colleagues and external experts and more. Thanks to Lauren fro...
AMA #1: Grappling with the most sustainable avenue for sport vs. what is feasible
We're talking about grappling with balancing what you think will create the most sustainable outcome or what you want to do, versus what is feasible and probable. Thanks to Laura for the question and expert
with guests, Tom Barnard and Keith Davidson
Join Claire as she speaks with legal experts on the legal, regulatory, risk, commercial, financial and legislative impacts for sports not taking the appropriate action when it comes to climate, sustainability and the environment.Tom Barn...
with guest, Kim Stone
In this episode Claire speaks with Kim Stone, President of UBS Arena in New York. One for anybody working on sustainability at a stadium, arena or venue especially, Kim talks us through their new framework; Sustainable Brilliance and Community ...
The Sport Positive Summit 2023 Round Up, with Claire Poole and David Garrido
For this episode, Claire is joined by David Garrido, Presenter at Sky Sports - Lead Media Partner of Sport Positive Summit 2023 - to talk through big themes that came out of the Summit. In a bit of a pod takeover, David shares insights an...
with guests, Bob Ramsak, Arttu Salonen and Steiner Hoen
It's an athletics bonanza! Join Claire who speaks in this episode to Bob Ramsak, Head of Sustainability at World Athletics; Steinar Hoen, Meeting Director, Bislett Games, Oslo and Arttu Salonen, Athlete coordinator, Sustainability lead, Paavo N...
with guests, Chris Dickerson, Brianna Treat and Danielle Bedasse
Join Claire as she speaks to a group of incredible leaders in the environmental and social space of US sports; Chris Dickerson from One Tree Planted, Brianna Treat from Seattle Kraken and Danielle Bedasse from Atlanta Braves.A rich conve...
With guest, Jonathan Smith
This week Claire speaks with Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf about challenges we’re facing, barriers to doing more, what we need to see next in sustainability, as well as reaction to golf exemption from w...