The Climate of Sport

Claire Poole

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.   #TheClimateOfSport #SportPositive 

  1. 1D AGO

    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, designed, and delivered. REMINDER: Join us online on 30 April 2026 for the People's Emergency Briefing: A Special Screening For Sport. Reserve your spot for free: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sportpositivesummit/2155375 Claire’s LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clairepoole_sportpositive-sportcomms-sustainabilitycomms-ugcPost-7448288526846169089-SYau?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAC_v64BPy0eKiRIXDgcn5iinPeT5vMzv4k Christiana Figueres’ LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/christianafigueres_weve-talked-about-sea-level-rise-in-centimetres-activity-7447611615174123520-mRtY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAC_v64BPy0eKiRIXDgcn5iinPeT5vMzv4k Sustainable Sports Apparel Charter - https://5thread.com/charter/ /// This week's Climate Hat-Trick stories: Story 1: Bangladesh Cricket - https://www.espn.co.uk/cricket/story/_/id/48435832/bcb-changes-timings-mens-womens-games-support-energy-saving-initiative Pakistan Cricket - https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/pakistan-cricket-fans-psl-2026-fuel-shortag-b2944458.html Story 2: Cabo Verde kit drop - https://www.footyheadlines.com/2026/04/new-cape-verde-2026-world-cup-home-away-kits.html Third kit drop expected - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7193261/2026/04/13/minnows-cape-verde-to-make-world-cup-debut-in-striking-new-jerseys/ Climate impacts on Cabo Verde - https://portaldoclima.gov.cv/en/climate-change/ Story 3: Paris Marathon - https://marathonhandbook.com/paris-marathon-water-cup-policy-opinion/ LinkedIn Post with comments - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alex-cyr-2a2228141_the-paris-marathon-was-the-first-mega-marathon-activity-7449818009646379008-qkUU?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAC_v64BPy0eKiRIXDgcn5iinPeT5vMzv4k /// Send us the questions you want us to cover in future Ask Me Anything episodes to Support the show

    20 min
  2. APR 9

    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 across sport, climate science, and global growth. Join us online on 30 April 2026 for the People's Emergency Briefing: A Special Screening For Sport. Reserve your spot for free: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sportpositivesummit/2155375 /// This week's Climate Hat-Trick stories: Story 1: 2026 Final Four: NCAA tournament expansion 'will happen.' Here's why that's the case despite the outcries against it https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/2026-final-four-ncaa-tournament-expansion-will-happen-heres-why-thats-the-case-despite-the-outcries-against-it-135942351.html Story 2: World Athletics to introduce standalone World Marathon Championships from 2030 https://worldathletics.org/news/press-releases/athens-2030-world-marathon-championships Story 3: Bangladesh government appoints Tamim as new BCB president https://www.espn.co.uk/cricket/story/_/id/48418881/bangladesh-government-appoints-tamim-iqbal-new-bcb-president // Send us the questions you want us to cover in future Ask Me Anything episodes to hello@theclimateofsport.com This podcast is brought to you by Claire and Sport Positive. Go to www.sportpositive.org to find out more Follow us on Linkedin, Bluesky, YouTube and Instagram #sportpositive #sportsforclimateaction #NASA #space #NCAA #WorldAthletics #BCB Support the show

    14 min
  3. APR 2

    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 define the future of sport leadership in a changing climate.  /// Intro Mentions Claire's Anthropy Instagram Reel https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWgAs1lMs3S/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== BBC4 Rare Earth: The Future of Sport https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002t2km /// Hat-Trick Story Sources  1: Investors and Broadcasters Are Piling In to Women’s Sport https://nypost.com/2026/03/28/sports/ions-push-into-pwhl-another-big-win-for-womens-sports-coverage https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-partners-tmrw-sports-new-professional-flag-football-league https://www.forbes.com/sites/clairepoolesp/2025/03/08/womens-sports-growth-is-a-win-for-investors-brands-and-the-planet/ 2: What connects flooding, felons, sinkholes and shortened distances? The Brazilian MotoGP  https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/moto-gp/like-a-stone-festival-disintegrating-track-adds-to-motogp-mayhem-winners-slice-of-history-talking-points/news-story/de7e8a415c2a01a1f2e8e02236c7eafb https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2023/06/11/1009430 3: Climate Crashes the Race: Protest Halts Pro Cycling https://www.cyclingnews.com/pro-cycling/safety/climate-protester-sits-down-on-cobbles-in-front-of-oncoming-peloton-at-ronde-van-brugge /// Send us the questions you want us to cover in future Ask Me Anything episodes to hello@theclimateofsport.com This podcast is brought to you by Claire Poole and Sport Positive. Go to www.sportpositive.org to find out more Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, YouTube and Bluesky Support the show

    40 min
  4. MAR 26

    "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 football and what the launch of Sport Positive Leagues in Japan means. Listen to hear practical ways to create a sustainable sport system that ensures climate actions are holistic, measurable, and embedded rather than just symbolic. J.League Climate Action J.League 2025 Season Review J.LEAGUE Climate Action Handbook – English  Mito Hollyhock’s Solar-Sharing Initiative: How a Football Club In Japan Is Growing Clean Energy and Crops Japan Climate Initiative: Sport × Sustainability – Sport Positive CEO Japan Visit Commemorative Event /// The Climate Hat-Trick Sources Story 1: Earth’s climate swings increasingly out of balance: WMO Report launch https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/earths-climate-swings-increasingly-out-of-balance  Story 2: $1bn stadium crowned best MLB ballpark as climate change and $700m star make impact https://talksport.com/sport/baseball/4131335/mlb-los-angeles-dodgers-stadium-home-runs-shohei-ohtani/ Additional links: Ranking the Most Home Run-Friendly MLB Ballparks (2020-2025) https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/article/most-home-run-friendly-mlb-ballparks-107439 "Global Warming, Home Runs, and the Future of America’s Pastime” - 2023  https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/bams/104/5/BAMS-D-22-0235.1.xml Story 3: World Athletics launches phase two of groundbreaking air quality initiative at World Indoor Championships https://worldathletics.org/athletics-better-world/news/phase-two-air-quality-initiative-world-indoor-championships /// Send us the questions you want us to cover in future Ask Me Anything episodes to hello@theclimateofsport.com This podcast is brought to you by Claire and Sport Positive. Go to www.sportpositive.org to find out more Follow us on Linkedin, Bluesky and Instagram Support the show

    54 min
  5. MAR 12

    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 the Cup Final and more broadly across the league. With newer structures and fewer legacy systems, women's sport has an opportunity to embed sustainable practices early as it continues to grow rapidly. Hannah mentions Women's Football Stadium Design Guidance - https://www.wslfootball.com/publications /// Climate Hat-Trick Stories 1: LA Marathon Award finisher Medals To Those who complete 18 miles of the 26.2m course - http://runnersworld.com/news/a70641839/finishers-medal-mile-18-los-angeles-marathon/ 2: FIFA says that broadcasters can show adverts during hydration breaks at FIFA Men’s World Cup - https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/48111478/fifa-gives-green-light-adverts-shown-world-cup-water-breaks 3: McLaren Racing and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation put their coral restoration technology into play - https://www.barrierreef.org/news/media-release/McLaren-fast-tracking-reef-recovery  /// Send us the questions you want us to cover in future Ask Me Anything episodes to hello@theclimateofsport.com This podcast is brought to you by Claire and Sport Positive. Go to www.sportpositive.org to find out more Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram and Bluesky Support the show

    38 min

About

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.   #TheClimateOfSport #SportPositive 

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