+ Why “at least half by 2030 and net-zero before 2050”?
What does that mean?

We know we need to try to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees but we’re already averaging 1.1 degrees above pre-industrial temperatures. In Australia, that means more powerful storms, destructive marine and land heatwaves, and a new age of megafires.

The rate of global warming is accelerating so to slow it down we need to make big cuts to our greenhouse gas emissions, and we need to do it quickly.

Climate scientists are telling us that this decade is the one that really counts. If you want to understand why this interactive article will get you up to speed.

Most of the world is now committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and most developed countries have substantially strengthened their targets for 2030, but Australia is holding out.

That’s despite the fact we are really well placed to take advantage of the new renewable energy economy as one of the sunniest, windiest places on earth. And despite the fact that we’re already feeling the effects of climate change. We need to turn that around asap!

What about the idea that setting a stronger emissions target isn’t that important?

Some Australian politicians argue that taking practical action is more important than setting a target, or that we shouldn’t commit to a goal until we’re clear on the path to get us there.

But in sport we’re always setting ambitious goals, which then motivate us to chart the course and take the steps to achieve them.

Whether it’s winning gold, taking the flag or winning the premiership, we know that ambitious goals are crucial for success, and can be achieved. It’s the same with tackling climate change.

+ What's with all the 1.5 and 2 degree talk?

The difference between global warming increasing by 1.5 and 2 degrees may sound small, but it’s actually huge. That’s because every fraction of a degree of warming will have a detrimental effect, and should be avoided. There’s simply no safe level of global warming.

Small increases can mean the difference between pushing a critical ecosystem like the Great Barrier Reef to breaking point or giving it a chance to survive.

Every small increase in temperature means worse bushfires, more extreme hot days, and more severe droughts, affecting sport at all levels.

Outrageous temperatures at the Australian Open have forced early retirements; BBL training and matches have been cancelled for safety due to bushfire smoke; local clubs are struggling to afford steep premium rises as they try to insure against fire and flood risk, and prolonged droughts are rendering local club grounds unusable.

The Climate Council has a great infographic about the difference between 1.5 and 2 degrees here, and if you’d like to learn even more, check out ‘A Degree of Concern: Why Global Temperatures Matter’ from NASA.

+ Umm, didn’t you know athletes are supposed to
"stick to sport, mate"?

Yep, we’ve heard that before. But the impacts of climate change affect all of us, in different ways, and we’re prepared to speak out on the ways it’s affecting our industry and the Australian way of life.

As community leaders and mentors we think we have a responsibility to do so. Sport will be affected by climate change just like everything else, and this is our way of asking for change.

+ Hang on, shouldn’t we care about climate change because of the future of the planet not the future of sport?

Yes! Absolutely! But unfortunately, the scale of the global climate crisis is sometimes really hard for people to wrap their heads around.

Humans are often better at dealing with problems that are right in front of us so connecting climate change to sport is a great way of helping people understand what’s at stake.

Now that climate change is affecting sport we think athletes have even more of a responsibility to stand up and say enough is enough. This letter helps us do our bit as an industry by saying the time is now.

+ Wait, athletes fly everywhere so aren’t we part of the problem?

Athletes, like everyone else, have a carbon footprint so yep, we are. But that means we’re also part of the solution.

We know there are heaps of things athletes can be doing from offsetting flights to recycling and reducing waste, and helping our clubs, codes and governing bodies take action.

As with most things, it’s a balancing act. The social, cultural, physical and mental benefits of sport are important to society. We all need to play our part and work together to find solutions that will help us reach the target in this letter.

We’ve already seen great examples of changes that can be made around the world - from solar-powered stadiums to teams and athletes offsetting travel, and ending their reliance on single-use plastics.

We also know that people can make important changes in their own lives, that’s why we’ve included a resources page here to help you take more climate action in your own life.

But while individual action really matters, what we do as a country matters even more. We want to be part of changing our own lives and making sure this lucky country steps up to the challenge.

+ What can I do?

Sign our letter to tell our leaders we need bold action now. Then share this campaign with everyone you can through social media and even just talking to your friends, family and colleagues about it - want to know how to start that kind of conversation? Check out this handy podcast from the team at How To Save a Planet..

You can also work with your family to reduce your own footprint using the tools we recommend over on the Want To Do More? page or get in touch with the team at FrontRunners to find out how your club, team or sport could be part of solving the climate crisis.

+ What will this letter really achieve?

If you live in Australia then you’ll know that climate change has been a political football for the last decade. While the rest of the world, the business community and the overwhelming majority of Australians want climate action now our political leaders are very slow to act.

This letter is our chance to show that we want to do better. We’re a small country that has outperformed on the global stage. We’ve broken records, won gold, World Cups, you name it. And now it’s our chance to come from behind on climate action. The more Australians who sign on, the stronger the message we send to our government, and the world, about what Australians really want for our future.