Climate change and sports, they\u2019re not words we\u2019re used to hearing together. But as extreme weather events flood ovals and create high temperatures that are impossible to play in, it\u2019s clear that climate can alter the games we love so much. Luckily, sport can also be a meaningful player in the climate change conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In our recent round table discussion, Origin gathered leaders in sport and sustainability<\/a> to explore how we can all work together to create good change<\/a>. Our CEO, Frank Calabria, joined Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley, Melbourne City Football Club goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, Sports Environment Alliance CEO Katherine O\u2019Regan and sports broadcaster \u2014 and host of the podcast \u2018Emergency on Planet Sport<\/a>\u2019 \u2014 Jonathan Overend to discuss how sport can help influence the transition to net zero<\/a> across. Spanning everything from infrastructure, transport and travel, food and beverage, to waste, and energy use at stadiums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sport brings people together \u2013 fans and players are a passionate bunch who have proven they can rally around a cause to create real change. This is the power of sport in the climate conversation. In fact, almost half of all Sydney Swans fans think climate is an important social issue, according to a recent survey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Change is already taking place. Right now, we are working with the Sydney Swans on their decarbonisation journey and, over at Melbourne City Football Club, athletes are not only looking after their bodies \u2013 they’re looking after the planet and thinking about new ways they can inspire a whole generation of fans. For goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, this means things like looking at reducing waste at MCFC – a goal that may seem small, but has the potential to snowball into a big change when clubs across the country join in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Origin, sports sponsorships are more than a logo on a shirt. They\u2019re collaborative partnerships with a shared ambition to drive positive change for our communities and the planet. Harnessing the power of Aussie sporting communities, provides an opportunity to work together to take positive climate action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI’ve always wanted to leave a legacy for those on the pitch. Now I can start to feed into environmental challenges as well.\u201dThe power of sport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Partnerships with purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>Melissa Barbieri, MCFC goalkeeper<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n