Peers secure changes to prepare sport for a changing climate

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As recent weeks have shown, sport is at the heart of British life and culture. But this summer has also reminded us that heatwaves and extreme rainfall events are with us, and our sporting infrastructure must adapt.

As the Sporting Events Bill completes its passage through the House of Lords, it’s encouraging to see a major step forward following cross-party amendments led by P4P Director, Lord Larry Whitty. 

In response to proposals by P4P Peers, the Government has confirmed for the first time that environmental sustainability will be a clear and stated consideration in its new Major Events Strategy – and not just for sporting events, but for all major events hosted across the UK.

The Minister also confirmed that these principles will help shape Euro 2028, which will be hosted across the UK and Ireland - the first tournament supported by the Bill. Alongside reducing the tournament's environmental footprint, its community programme will actively seek opportunities to build climate resilience into communities.

There was further progress too. The Government did not rule out bringing sporting bodies within the Adaptation Reporting Power, which could require them to assess climate risks on sports and sporting venues, and demonstrate how they will adapt. 

The decision now rests with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, following its recent consultation on the future of these powers. P4P Peers will continue pressing for sporting bodies to be included.

This is an important step towards ensuring the UK's major sporting events are not only environmentally sustainable but resilient to the growing impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing - protecting athletes, fans, venues and the future of sport.

A huge thank you to all the Peers who worked across party lines to help secure this outcome – who will be watching closely as the Bill moves to the Commons.

Finally, a huge thanks also to Fran James, Katie Cross, Freddie Daley, Cool Down - The Sport for Climate Action Network and Dom Goggins, British Association for Sustainable Sport for all your briefing and support.