Wednesday, April 23, 2025, marks the official launch of the Sports for Climate Action training course – a step forward in the broader capacity-building programme under the UN Climate Change Sports for Climate Action Initiative.
The new online training course is designed to support sports organisations – from local clubs to international governing bodies – in adopting and implementing sustainable practices that reduce their environmental impact.
The training was developed with the support of sportswear giant, adidas, as part of its “Move for the Planet” initiative, which aims to harness the power of sporting communities to promote sustainability and climate action.
Through the UN Climate Change Sports for Climate Action Initiative, sports organisations can become catalysts for environmental responsibility, community engagement and global collaboration.
Launched in 2018, the Sports for Climate Action Framework provides guidance for climate action and environmental sustainability in the sports sector – leveraging the global reach of sport to raise awareness and drive systemic change. With over 250 members, the initiative continues to grow as a powerful force for transformation across the industry.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, said: “Providing opportunities for learning and training, as well as the opportunity to connect with others across the wider sports community is one way we are able to support sports communities to take action. Through Sports for Climate Action, we encourage sports organizations to take meaningful steps – whether by making events more sustainable, reducing their carbon footprint, or using their platforms to inspire fans and communities.”
UN Climate Change has partnered with adidas and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to tap into the potential of sport as a universal force for unity and collective climate action at the local level.
Ashley Czarnowski, Senior Director of Global Purpose Marketing at adidas, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back ‘Move for the Planet’ for a third year. It’s an extremely important initiative that helps to support sporting communities facing the effects of extreme weather. With the continued expansion of sports and projects included in ‘Move for the Planet’, we can’t wait to see the movement and impact grow even further.”
Explore the Courses:
- Introduction to Sports for Climate Action: Designed for anyone interested in how sports and climate change intersect, this course explores how sport contributes to and is affected by climate change, and what can be done to build a more sustainable, resilient sports sector. It comprises four short modules (about one hour and 20 minutes in total) featuring interactive lessons, videos, quizzes and practical activities.
- Sports for Climate Action: Geared primarily toward staff of sports organizations, this advanced course builds on the introductory course and offers actionable strategies for integrating climate considerations into operations, business planning, and stakeholder engagement. The course includes five in-depth modules (about four hours in total) with case studies, expert interviews, and practical exercises.
Both courses have been developed by UNITAR and are available on UN CC: e-Learn platform. They are fully online, self-paced and free of charge.
What’s next?
A dedicated training series for grassroots sports NGOs is on the way, aimed at empowering local communities with the knowledge and tools they need to co-design climate solutions that reflect their realities and priorities. This upcoming initiative will further extend the reach of the Sports for Climate Action Initiative, ensuring that climate action through sport is inclusive, community-led and impactful.