260+ AFL Players & Their Fans Unite For Climate Action Campaign

92% Of AFL & AFLW Players Are Concerned About Climate Change

AFLP4CA was borne out of two things: a widespread concern about climate change, and a desire to take action in Australia’s football industry — using players’ profiles and voices to garner support from the community footy club, all the way up to elite!

More than 260 AFL and AFLW players have signed up for the AFLP4CA initiative — which was founded by North Melbourne player, Tom Campbell, and retired North Melbourne and Port Adelaide player, Jasper Pittard. After being stuck in Queensland’s Covid-19 bubble, Campbell and Pittard began conversations with fellow players about the impact of climate change upon Australia’s favourite sports.

The growing initiative has attracted many high-profile players.

How Will Climate Change Impact Football In Australia?

Now sure how climate change will impact the sports you love? Well, you might be surprised to know that the impact of extreme weather events, rising temperatures, heatwaves, drought, floods, and even bushfire smoke, will worsen the impact on the sports we love as our climate crisis escalates. For example, the AFLP4CA noted the number of trainings relocated due to bushfire smoke, and the number of regional clubs facing closure due to flood and fire-prone areas. 

“You don’t have to look far to see the devastation climate change is having on Australians, and our sport, including the impacts of extreme weather events,” said Tom Campbell. “I’m not a scientist, but I listen to the climate experts and they’re telling us we need to act now to tackle global warming.”

AFL & AFLW Players Are Joining The Climate Conversation

A poll found that 92% of AFL and AFLW players felt concerned about climate change, and most were unsure about how they could be part of the solution — until now! AFLP4CA is all about empowering players to communicate the details of the climate crisis to their fans. That’s why Campbell and Pittard are firm believers in teamwork and having a strong, collective voice. 

“Talking to other players and others about climate, I can really see the passion come out —  people care about each other and the places we love,” Jasper Pittard said. “As sportspeople, we have a platform where we can talk about things we are passionate about and encourage the conversation,” said Sydney Swans’ Tom Hickey.

AFL Fans Want More Climate Action, Too!

AFL fans are equally as concerned about climate change as their sporting heroes! Around 60% of AFL fans believe that the AFL has a responsibility to help clubs cut their carbon footprint.

So, what would this look like? According to Campbell, “sporting clubs and codes can rapidly cut carbon pollution by changing the way they build venues and travel, and by using more renewable energy and cutting waste. We’ve already partnered up with Go Neutral to help AFL players offset their emissions — covering flights, ground transport, and our personal vehicles”.

Amazingly, more than half of the AFL fans would be willing to support their club in taking action against climate change with a slight increase in membership fees. This would include transitioning to 100% renewable energy, and implementing better waste management systems.