WE BELIEVE THAT THE MOST IMPACTFUL CLIMATE ACTION IS THE ONE THAT GETS OTHERS TO ACT TOO.

The world of sports is often seen as a field focused on performance and results, where climate or environmental themes are not seen as imporant. Winter and snow sports connects people across party lines, and winters are experienced, especially in Finland, as an important factor shaping identity and culture. Climate solutions protect people above all, but also the things we feel passionate about. The decision to lead climate action at the sport club level is a start, and the implementation of the action itself and communication about it leads to the much needed change.

You can also talk about the climate and solutions without necessarily talking about the climate at all.

Actions that benefit the environment and climate also produce other benefits for the organization: the well-being of athletes, good community spirit, and financial leverage. The theme can also be discussed through things that are more familiar and closer to the people doing sports.

The world needs more imperfect climate advocates.

Each of us is at different stages of our own climate path. Instead of only needing one perfect climate advocate, we need hundreds and thousands of imperfect climate advocates. Athletes are in a special position to carry the climate message forward, because athletes are highly valued and seen as role models in our societies – according to research, who speaks, is very essential for the message to get across.

Where there is a story, there is change.

Climate discussions can often feel distant and even awkward, often due to terminology and numbers. Enthusiasm for new things often occurs through emotions, and stories evoke emotions. For example, when talking about transportation emissions, instead of numbers, it is possible to show why traveling across the country with a team is inspiring and fun. This way, existing solutions are shown instead of the problem.

Partners are always a value choice and the club’s values ​​can be expressed through these choices. From a climate perspective, it would be important that the partners’ core business produces solutions to the climate crisis.

In order for winter sports to continue to be seen as an attractive area for companies, it is also important to set an example for other companies. This also communicates what kind of companies sports partner up with. Sustainable partnerships are a way to stand out and lead the way for good in the world of sports.

☐ Before partnering, test the suitability of the company with the SNOWSCAPE partner tool

‘‘If you want to change your choices to be more environmentally sustainable, you need to know what is sustainable. [..] You can’t set goals without information.’’ – Mira Hulkkonen, Ilmasto-oivalluksia (Gaudeamus 2023)

Climate issues should not be left to anyone alone, but instead, voices are needed throughout the organization. And in order for information to be shared, guidance and enthusiasm for the topics are needed.

Coaches and athletes have a huge opportunity to make an impact. The club does not necessarily have to have a climate professional internally, but it is important to offer coaches and athletes opportunities to get to know the topic. Strive to ensure that the club regularly offers climate training, either from an external trainer or internally.

☐ Explore the possibility of coaches participating in POW’s Imperfect Advocacy training

☐ Participate in POW’s Hot Planet Cool Athletes training with the young people being coached

☐ Include POW’s climate advocacy training in the coaches’ training: Common ground: How to be a climate advocate?

Competitions, training camps and hobbies usually require a lot of travel, which is often the biggest source of emissions for an individual. People often travel to training venues by their own means, due to lack of time they fly to competitions and public transport is seen as inconvenient due to training camps. However, habits and routines may often override better alternatives.

Strive to ensure that competition trips are carried out in a way that is communal and increases the well-being of athletes, for example by train or other means that can be carried out over land:

☐ During the season, carry out a competition or training trip in a communal way, for example by train.

☐ Have a monthly event where those who arrive to training by bike, public transport or carpooling participate in the competition.

☐ Talk openly within your sport club about the experiences on the trip, different ways of travelling and the benefits and challenges.

☐ Set an example for other clubs and post about the trip on social media!

A plant-based or vegan diet is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce an individual’s emissions in the big picture.

Strive to show options for a delicious plant-based diet during events, club trips and training sessions. Athletes understand the benefits of a vegetarian diet also from a well-being perspective.

☐ Strive to increase and replace animal-based products in club activities: events, competition trips, etc…

☐ Consider a possible partnership with a plant-based food brand

☐ Discuss the benefits and possibilities of vegetarian food in the club, both from a well-being and climate perspective!

Winter sports culture still strongly encourages for fancy equipment and clothing, preferably new every year. However, recycling goods and reducing consumption is good for both your wallet and the climate.

☐ Set up a recycling group for clothes

☐ Organize a volunteer activity in the fall to repair equipment

☐ Discuss alternatives to consumption and the possibilities of a circular economy

Sports are still learning how to create a climate-positive culture. Climate cannot be seen as the task of a specific group, but we need to understand climate action broadly as part of everyday life. Hobby activities and their role as initiators of climate discussions are important.

Contrary to the traditional view that climate action is only reflected in the individual’s own life or political environment, the impact of climate action is enormous precisely in these communities.

☐ Consider your club’s potential for influence

☐ Influence when the opportunity arises!

☐ Involve members in climate action through POW