During COP30, the global sports industry has issued a united call for governments and leaders to harness the power of sport as a strategic partner in climate action and community resilience.
In a communiqué released today, signatories of the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework urge “public and private institutions, national governments, city leaders and international bodies to formally recognise and invest in the role of sport as a climate action partner.”
Sport Appeal In The Spirit of Mutirão
The appeal is in the spirit of “mutirão,” a central theme for the COP30 Presidency, and one of indigenous Brazilian origin, translated from the Tupi-Guarani language. It is not a single phrase but a noun that means a community coming together to work on a shared task.
Signatories are calling on leaders to “join this global mutirão – and unleash the power of sport to drive change, inspire communities, and deliver impact for a safe planet.” The communiqué urges governments to integrate sport into national climate strategies, invest in its ability to raise awareness, engage citizens, and deliver tangible solutions. It also encourages cities to partner with sport on low-emission transport, resilient venues, and athlete-led climate advocacy.
“The Union Cycliste Internationale is proud to join this mutirão, helping to promote the role of sport in climate action. Investing in sport means investing in people
and in tangible solutions,” shared president of UCI, David Lappartient.
How Sport Can Partner With Leaders On Climate Action
Sport is a natural ally for governments seeking to accelerate climate action. Sports organisations are trusted community anchors, powerful platforms for engagement and can be major land stewards. The sector connects directly to human health and wellbeing, commands global reach, and stands as an economic powerhouse capable of driving tangible climate solutions.
“Sport needs investment to support and reach communities, and global leaders need sport to accelerate change and deliver the impact communities urgently require. Together, we can achieve both,” shared Philip Quinn, chief operating officer at Munster Rugby, a Sports For Climate Action signatory.
Climate change seriously threatens both the delivery of sports globally, as well as increasing investments into the sector. By joining forces more closely with sport, governments and leaders can protect communities, fans and facilities, a win-win for people and planet.
Sport Ahead of And During COP30
Sport has been a visible and unifying force in the lead-up to this pivotal, but challenging, implementation COP. As COP30 president Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago noted in a letter earlier this year, “as the nation of football, Brazil believes we can win by “virada.” This means fighting back to turn the game around when defeat seems almost certain.”
Athletes heave leveraged the power of sport by speaking out too. In October 2025, 40 elite sportsmen and women, from Raheem Sterling to Breanna Stewart, launched a global campaign, backed by the Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust, to urge governments to prioritise and fund investment in climate adaptation during COP30.
During his visit to Brazil for the Earthshot Prize and COP30, Prince William, Prince of Wales, visited the Maracanã Stadium, where he met children learning about climate change through Terra FC, and took penalties alongside Brazilian football legend Cafu. He later joined a beach volleyball game on Copacabana.
For governments and investors alike, sport represents an underused lever for climate progress, with built-in audiences, infrastructure, and economic weight. As COP30 unfolds, the message from the world of sport is clear, its influence and global reach make it a powerful ally in tackling the climate crisis. With governments and leaders now called to recognise and invest in this potential, there is an opportunity to ensure that the world plays on the same team for a sustainable future.
