Emergency on Planet Sport

This pod is 27 minutes. The same duration as a flight taken by a Premier League club in 2023. The thought-provoking study released this week by BBC Sport suggests the average flight time of Premier Clubs around matches in a period between mid-January and mid-March was just 42 minutes. Short-haul domestic flying is rife in football. Everyone's at it. The players enjoy it, the clubs arrange it, the league allows it. Nobody seems to want to make the first move and stand up for the planet. Why not? And it's not just flights to games The BBC research shows planes often fly in as "ghost" arrivals from different locations in the UK in order to chauffeur the teams a short distance away. So will this study, and the debates raised as a result, lead to meaningful action? Jonathan and Melissa discuss with the man who led the research at the BBC; their Editorial Sustainability Lead, Dave Lockwood. Premier League; clubs, players and administrators; it's over to you. Full time codes: 01:30. Melissa summarises this week's gloomy IPCC report, calling for us all to act before it's too late. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-cycle/ 02:30. Jonathan re-emphasises the disconnect between this expertise and the blinkered operations of sport. 05:00 Melissa outlines how this isn't just about millionaires on private jet, it's about an industry not set up to make the necessary decisions. 07:00 We introduce Dave Lockwood, Editorial Sustainability Lead at BBC Sport. 07:30. How did Dave start gathering his research? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65017565 10:15. Did the clubs need to confirm the flights Dave had spotted were actually theirs? 12:00. Dave says the responses were mixed but led to frank conversations. Some clubs were extremely open, he says. 13:00 Jonathan agrees that the tone of the research was important; not just finger-pointing at the worst culprits but displaying a collective picture. 14:15. So how can we move forward? What are the issues? Why would clubs want to erase a perceived competitive advantage? 15:45 Melissa reckons players could get more sleep on a luxury coach rather than a fragmented journey using a very short flight. 18:30. Dave gives more detail on the most fascinating part of his research; the proliferation of "positioning flights". 20:00. Jonathan's baffled by the "madness" of a multi-phase, multi-mode journey to an away game. 22:00 Dave goes all rock and roll and envisages electric buses with beds as the future. You can have that for free, PL clubs! 23:00 Melissa spots another problem here. Clubs are reporting their carbon footprints as part of their quests to reach net zero. Did they realise positioning flights were happening and should be included?! 24:00 Dave summarises by talking about where the Premier League may go with this. People know the scale of the problem now, he says. 26:00 Dave says he's not surprised by the numbers. But his non-football-following friend was astounded. It's broken out of the bubble. 26:45 Melissa summarises her position; hoping collective ambition and innovation can help address the problem now we all know this is happening across the board. 27:00. Do we hit the 27 minute deadline? Of course we don't. I mean, we almost do. It's a good effort. It's down to Jonathan's daughter to cut us off. Email planetsportpod@gmail.com.

Ahead of Green Football Weekend (2nd-6th February), Jonathan and Melissa get busy with some easy, everyday environmental wins, "scoring goals" for their chosen clubs! At www.greenfootballweekend.com you can send your team soaring up the sustainability league table by achieving positive results in and around your own home. Jonathan's been whipping up some veggie delights in the kitchen and - somewhat controversially - using rain water to wash the car! [Looks great - Ed]. Melissa, meanwhile, is car-less in the most remote part of the UK and pledging to cut down on shower times. Good luck with that! It's all part of the partnership between Planet League, PledgeBall, Count Us In, the FSA, BT Sport and Sky Sports, aimed at engaging the football community in easy-to-achieve sustainable living. Jon and Mel agree; it's easy, family-friendly and just a little bit competitive! Tom Gribbin, founder and CEO of Planet League, joins the pod to explain more. Times Codes: 00:00. We establish Melissa is in the Outer Hebrides! Any other podcasts come from the Outer Hebrides?! Do get in touch! Jonathan's been down at Southampton FC a lot recently and he talks about their big new wins in the sustainability space. 04:00. We set up Green Football Weekend; an initiative formed by Planet League, Pledgeball, Count Us In, The FSA, BT Sport and Sky Sports. Why not cruise their website while you listen to the pod? www.greenfootballweekend.com 05:00 Guiding us through it is Tom Gribbin, founder and CEO of Planet League (formerly Planet Super League); someone who's doing as much as anyone in the sport and sustainability space. www.planetleague.co.uk is his website; we'll even let him off being a Nottingham Forest fan. 06:15 Tom talks about the positive contribution of Funso Ojo, the Port Vale and Belgium midfielder. Great work Funso! 09:00. The "Layer Up Challenge" is one of the fun ways Tom wants football fans to engage. He talks about the challenge of making sustainability "fun". Look out for some big names getting involved over the next few days! 10:45. Melissa wants to know more about last year's "Scope F" report, released by Tom and his team at Planet League. Sports organisations are relatively small businesses, but with huge brand influence. The power is in the reach and passion; we must use this more, argues Tom. More info here: https://www.scope-f.com 15:45. Jonathan explains more about the Green Football Weekend league table and how he intends to bring the trophy home for Arsenal with his high-flying team; "XhakaSakaLaka". 17:45. Tom brainstorms ways of linking these individual efforts with the football clubs themselves; there's great creative potential here! It really would be an easy win for clubs to align themselves with all this positive action among fanbases. 19:15. Some unexpected controversy as Melissa doubts Jonathan's car washing claims. Tom's in the VAR booth and surely has to arrive at the common sense decision, based on video evidence. [We've checked, it's real: - Ed] 21:15. More information on what's coming up during Green Football Weeekend from Jonathan; including mentions for Norwich City and Everton. The WSL are doing some great work and I know several broadcasters who are leaving the car at home this weekend; great job guys! 22:30. Tom rejoins the pod to talk about presentation and language around the sport/sustainability challenge. Planet League's all about sending a very clear message about the benefits of individual actions; whether that be saving money, reducing calories or protecting animal welfare. 25:30. Kitchen concoctions! Jonathan's very pleased with his Broccoli and Pomegranate Frittata. Melissa's sounding keen...

In time-honoured tradition, the series wraps with a (virtual) Christmas party. This can only mean one thing; an editing nightmare for the producer. Putting that to one side, as we so often do in the broadcast game, we welcome back several available (sorry, favourite) guests featured on the second series of the pod. Expect to hear from Katie Cross (Pledgeball), Caroline Carlin (Southampton FC) and Fiona Morgan (Sail GP) who arrive in a variety of festive guises to join a party spirit orchestrated by Jonathan, queried by Melissa. We reflect on 2022 in the sport and sustainability space and set some resolutions for 2023 which may, or may not, involve a challenge that J&M may regret. So who's wearing the glasses, who brings the gin and who gets the mic-drop moment? it's all in the Emergency on Planet Sport Christmas Party! Enjoy and thanks for listening! With thanks to the European Climate Foundation, Athletes of the World and the production team at NinetyFour19.

Australia may be a nation playing catch up in the sport/sustainability space but recent events suggest its moving rapidly in the right direction, led by athletes! Amy Steel and Emma Pocock join Jonathan and Melissa on Episode 14 to discuss playing for pride and purpose; including Donnell Wallam and the whole Australia Diamonds Netball Team, Amy's former colleagues, standing firm against an uncomfortable sponsorship and Cricket skipper Pat Cummins refusing to appear in ads for the main backer of Cricket Australia, a company which subsequently announced it wouldn't continue with the partnership. Also on the pod we hear from Melbourne City goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, talking about the increased demands of the younger generations and the actions they want to translate as normal behaviour. Jonathan also gets the chance to quiz the Chief Executive of Origin Energy, Frank Calabria, one of the big sponsors in Australian sport. 1.30 Our first guest is Amy Steel, former Australia Netball International. Amy's still effected on a daily basis by the severe heat illness which wrecked her sporting career. 2.20. Amy gives us the background to the recent stand-off between the Australian Diamonds and sponsor Hancock Prospecting (with Netball Australia in the middle). 4.00 Jonathan explains the controversial history of the Netball Australia sponsors. 5.00. Amy tells us how Donnell Wallam bravely raised concerns with the Players Association and then Netball Australia about the deal. 08.00. Melissa's been listening in and offers her commentary on the Donnell Wallam story; praising the bravery of the individual and the solidarity of the team. 10.30. Melissa and Amy discuss the idea of "staying in your lane" as an athlete; what that actually means and how effective athletes can be in using their voices. 13.30. Jonathan outlines what some may feel is a conflict; the netball partnership with an energy company; Origin. It's a chance for us to explore whether partnerships with fossil fuel providers can have upsides; depending on the track record and ambition of the company involved. 14.00. We hear from Origin Chief Executive, Frank Calabria. He was speaking on an Origin webinar, first broadcast in October. Used with permission. 19.00 Amy gives her assessment of Origin and Frank's comments. Are the netball players comfortable with wearing the Origin logo? 22.10 We get a great perspective on the issue of partnerships with purpose from soccer legend Melissa Barbieri, the Melbourne City goalkeeper and Australia international. 23.45 Our next guest joins the pod; CEO of Frontrunners, Emma Pocock, almost two years since she and husband David kicked off series one! 26.00. Emma talks about the action that has helped drive cricket's transition towards a solar future and mentions the leadership of the PFA on climate action. 29.00. More from Melissa Barbieri on the demands of the younger generations at Melbourne City. "Some things are actually more important to us", she says. 31.00. Emma Pocock reacts to Melissa's comments and says increased expectation of clubs is mirrored across the work she does with Frontrunners. 34.30. Jonathan's interested to learn more about Pat Cummins' stance in a sport with fossil fuel sponsors. Emma discusses the delicate balance which needs to be struck. 40.00. Melissa says scrutiny is so important, such as in the British Cycling deal with Shell. 41.30. Emma says athletes rarely want to expose themselves to commenting in public. Those who do are so courageous, says Emma.

Track and Field is our focus on Episode 13 as we hear from two current World Champions and Bob Ramsak, Head of Sustainability at World Athletics, joins the pod. This is a sport experiencing significant impact due to changes to our climate; the marathon at the Tokyo Olympics not only changed start time but completely moved its location, while US trials had entire sessions cancelled because of rising temperatures in Eugene, Oregon. As guardians of a truly global sport, World Athletics is well aware of the threat in certain regions and has moved swiftly to engage its athletes and step up its licensing requirements. On this episode, we hear from a number of athletes who are making their voices heard on the most important topic of all, the future of the planet, including reigning world champions Tobi Amusan and Kelsey-Lee Barber. Bob talks about how bids for the 2027 World Championships will need to hit certain "gold standards" of sustainability and the recent attempts at climate communication education around its Diamond League meetings. Jonathan and Melissa also find time to reflect on the first week of the FIFA World Cup and the disappointing lack of protest among the competing nations. Plus Marmite Toast. 00.00. Jonathan and Melissa discuss the first week of the FIFA World Cup and the lack of protest, with an honourable mention for Germany. 05:00. We introduce our guest on the pod; Bob Ramsak, Head of Sustainability for World Athletics. 17:30. Contributions from Kelsey-Lee Barber (Australia) and Tobi Amusan (Nigeria), two current World Champions. 21:30. Contributions from Sam Matiss (USA) and Ernest John Obiena (Philippines). 26:30. Contributions from Hugues Fabrice Zango (Burkina Faso) and Eliza McCartney (New Zealand).

If the business case for taking a sustainable approach to sport isn't clear enough already, it will be after listening to Jamie Farndale. The Scotland Rugby 7s international, our guest on Episode 12, takes a "people, planet, profit" approach and everything he says makes sense. If making a profit is ultimately about making people feel good, then those profits should be driven back into helping protect humanity; in other words make us feel good about life (or what's left of it). Sport can be that driver, he believes, and in this inspirational conversation with Melissa Wilson and Jonathan Overend, he talks about his personal experiences on the Rugby field and his learnings in the business sector. As the chat broadens out, we discuss the existential threat to Rugby in the Pacific Islands and his experience as a Sustainability Captain at the Commonwealth Games, a new initiative which has potential to broaden out across sport.

How is the self-styled "best league in the world" leading on climate action? In reality, it's a mixed picture with a shortage of league-wide gravitas on the vital issue impacting the very future of the game. The English Premier League, with all its component parts including 20 clubs and over 500 players, is yet to realise the full potential of its global influence; influence far greater than it currently imagines. So while it's undeniably time to collectively up our ambition, the more proactive wing of the league is driving change. Two of the more forward-thinking figures in the league join us on the pod; Southampton Sustainability Manager Caroline Carlin and Brighton's Chief Operating Officer Paul Mullen. Will climate action be part of future licensing requirements? How do clubs react when supporters challenge them on matters of sustainability? And what about that great elephant-in-the-room (sky); internal flights to away games? Once Jonathan has dried off from Chelsea v Arsenal, he joins Melissa to pose these questions and more. It remains a struggle to convince more top-flight players to fight for the planet upon which their sport relies. The danger remains, therefore, that clubs will be reluctant to make the big, sweeping decisions required to make meaningful change. We can but hope. In joining the pod and making the voice of their clubs heard, Caroline and Paul are leading the way on this and hopefully encouraging others to join the mission to make The Premier League realise its enormous influence on the most important topic of all. With thanks to all at Southampton FC and Brighton and Hove Albion FC. Time Codes: 2.30. Caroline Carlin, Sustainability Manager, Southampton FC, on their journey from Sport Positive relegation zone to multiple award winners! 10.30. Paul Mullen, Chief Operating Officer, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, on league licensing requirements and whether clubs appreciate the influence they have. 17.00. Commentary from Melissa; particularly on shared standards across the clubs. Jonathan asks we're brave and set 'gold standards'. 19.30. There's an elephant in the room. Or, more pertinently, in the skies. Domestic air travel is a live issue and an uncomfortable one for Premier League clubs. 20.00. Paul Mullen on player transport, followed by Caroline Carlin. 25.00. Commentary from Melissa and Jonathan including some ideas we'd love to put to the Premier League! It's a logistical challenge, but as Graham Potter says, something we must be looking at. 31.00. More sustainability initiatives from our south coast Premier League clubs. Caroline Carlin takes us on a tour of the concourse. 33.30. An amazing moment as Caroline reveals how one supporter forced a complete shift in 1st team club policy. 35.00. At Brighton, Paul Mullen talks about the plan to increase solar energy thanks to the roof of the Amex Stadium. 41.00. There is a chain of influence in the Premier League so it's vital those with influential roles step forward. Final word, to Brighton board member Paul Mullen.

"Football can change the world!" So proclaimed the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, in May 2022 at the World Economic Forum. Purposeful social impact, to use soccer as a power for good; could it be true?! Was this the seismic shift from the all-powerful governing body many had been waiting for?? Alas, just a fortnight before the start of the World Cup in Qatar, a message to, effectively, "stick to football" was sent to the 32 competing nations. That, combined with a carbon neutral pledge which is being challenged to advertising standards, means FIFA is under the microscope yet again. Football players and football fans respond in this hard-hitting episode. Yes, we're 'sticking to football' by trying to protect it in a time of climate crisis! Jonathan and Melissa are joined by Frank Huisinng from Fossil Free Football, Freddie Daley from the New Weather Institute, Jamie Cornacchia from We Play Green and League One professional player David Wheeler of Wycombe Wanderers. Guest Time Codes: 00:00 Melissa on her Euro-railing adventure 01:30 Jonathan gets *very* wet on the way to Chelsea v Arsenal 05:30 Frank Huisingh from Fossil Free Football outlines the nature of the complaints about FIFA's carbon neutral claim. 07:00 Freddie Daley from New Weather Insitute explains more about the complaints to advertising regulators. Frank and Freddie go onto discuss how FIFA should have played it, the mistakes they believe have been made and the importance of reinventing global football for the climate-crisis era. 22:45 Melissa's commentary on the conversation with Frank and Freddie and the likelihood of successful challenges to the FIFA carbon neutral claims. 24:00 For the benefit of those unaware, Jonathan asks what the problem is here. What are the dangers of FIFA claiming their competition is carbon neutral? 26:00 David Wheeler, professional footballer in England's League One with Wycombe Wanderers, explains why he signed a letter protesting to FIFA. 27:45 Jamie Cornacchia explains about the work of We Play Green, a non-profit formed to harness the power of footballers around the world for socially responsible issues. David and Jamie go onto discuss the role of athletes in big issues such as the fight against climate change. They talk about whether the conversation will continue once Qatar 2022 begins, why some players find it hard to speak out and - very much tongue in cheek - what David would do if he received a dramatic call up for England! Then, the big statements. David believes it would take a boycott of the World Cup to drive home the importance of these messages. Jamie doesn't see why it couldn't be possible. David agrees it's unlikely, but "cool if it happened". 45:00. Jonathan and Melissa reflect on what they've heard. We balance things with FIFA's statement on their sustainability policy. Jonathan ends with a message to his colleagues. Links: https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/president/news/fifa-president-football-can-change-the-world https://www.weplaygreen.com https://www.newweather.org https://fossilfreefootball.com

While Melissa continues her exploration of Europe's finest budget rail-routes (while working hard, it should be noted), Jonathan's at the BASIS Sustainable Sport Awards in London! Join him at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge Stadium to meet some of the great success stories in UK sport and sustainability thanks to the organisation right at the heart of the sector; the British Association for Sustainable Sport. Dr Russell Seymour, Executive Chair, joins the pod to reflect on another busy and constructive year for the organisation; seen as the hub for all positive work in this space. Then, as the envelopes are opened, we're joined by a selection of the award winners, including Birmingham County FA, The World Sailing Trust and Planet Earth Games. Then, almost inevitably, we end up in the pub. There are great people working at the intersection of sport and sustainability; thanks to everyone who appeared on this show, had a chat or shared a drink. Here's to 2023! Guest List, time codes and web links: 00:00 Dr Russell Seymour, BASIS. More information on The British Association for Sustainable Sport can be found at: www.basis.org.uk 06:45 Chris Broadbent, Planet Earth Games: "Sustainable School Games". More information on Planet Earth Games can be found at www.planetearthgames.org 12:20 Sam, Rebecca & Mark, HUBBUB: "Manchester is Green". More information can be found at www.hubbub.org.uk/manchester-is-green-the-challenge 20:55 Victoria Low, World Sailing Trust: "Carbon Fibre Circular Alliance". More information can be found at www.worldsailingtrust.org/carbon-fibre-circular-alliance 25:40. John Grindrod, Tiger Up and Sportex Group: Recycling facility for artificial pitches, More information at: https://www.tigerup.co.uk/sport/ 30:35. Richard Lindsay, Birmingham County FA: "Save Today, Play Tomorrow". More information at: www.birminghamfa.com/about/save-today-play-tomorrow

Before Melissa heads off on a trip of a lifetime, we turn the spotlight on the sports media with Episode Eight. Yes, that's us! We go behind the scenes at Sky Sports, IMG Studios and Bafta Albert to find out how the Sports Media landscape is changing, both in terms of editorial priorities and also production impacts. Jonathan brings his perspective as a veteran of 25 years in the media game, we're joined by Sky presenter David Garrido, IMG's Head of Production Mary-Claire Gill and Katy Tallon from BAFTA Albert. There's rapid change in so many areas of our work and sustainability is at the heart of much of it. (Although Jonathan is sceptical about the speed of change had it not been for Covid-19). Melissa brings her usual sharp analysis before rummaging for her passport. Times Codes: 02:00. Jonathan talks about the change he's noticed in the industry including covering events "off tube" for the first time. 05:30 David Garrido from Sky Sports talks about his work at the satellite broadcaster and the challenges he faces on and off air. 14:00 We now go behind the scenes at one of the big beasts of the production world; IMG Studios. What's the challenge for Outside Broadcasts and sport productions? We ask Head of Production Mary-Claire Gill. 27:00 BAFTA Albert, the organisation for sustainability in TV and Film, helps advise producers on reducing their impact on the environment but also work on the influence of on-screen opportunities. We speak to Katy Tallon, who heads their Sports Consortium. 38:00. Melissa wants to put a few questions to Jonathan as someone who currently works in the Sports Media and has done for more than 25 years. Are things really changing? Can broadcasters do more? Are people committed? A NinetyFour19 Production.

A commercial deal in sport always used to be a pretty simple negotiaton: "You write the cheque, we'll endorse your brand". But that's all changing, with purpose and impact heavy factors. Climate awareness is shooting to the top of the priority list when partnerships are struck. On episode seven, Jonathan and Melissa take an interesting case study; the partnership between Wimbledon and Evian, the bottled water brand. They've been successful partners for over a decade but the sight of empty plastics being left on Centre Court is unpalatable for an event who are making big strides on sustainability. Things need to change, both parties know it, the question is how quickly that change can be made... So this is about challenging commercial partners; purposeful alignment, shared values, the idea that, together, some social impact could be made. And, in this example, it's about finding a creative solution to the issue of providing players with water but reducing the plastics. We explore the topic in depth with Wimbledon's brilliant Sustainability Manager Hattie Park, working hard behind the scenes, with Evian, to make progress in this area. In an exciting guest-spot, 2020 US Open Champion Dominic Thiem joins the pod, seemingly from a running machine. Needs must; it's great to have him on! Should the focus be on tournaments or players, when it comes to moving to the sort of reusable bottles Dominic brings to court? Hattie takes Jonathan on an "eco-tour" of Wimbledon including obligatory visits to the food court and the bar. Melissa, quite rightly, feels left out. This is a really inspiring episode. There is a definite change to the landscape of commercial partnerships within sport. Nobody can shout about their green credentials with respectability if they're partnering with a fossil fuel company, for example. And, in terms of existing sponsors, as Wimbledon are showing, there are creative possibilities to reform partnerships for the 21st-climate-centric-century.

You find us under the arch of Wembley Stadium for Episode 6; we're at the Sport Positive Summit, 2022! Jonathan and Melissa are joined by the organiser Claire Poole, fresh from gathering 420 people in the same space all with the common goal; to fight climate change through the power of sport. It's been an incredible journey for Claire and her small team; from a backroom at a wider event to closing applications on the 2022 edition. As Jonathan says, she's effectively "sold out Wembley!". Jonathan and Melissa chat about the themes and topics raised through the two-day event and Claire reveals how broadening the conversation has engaged with different sections of sports organisations. Before the trip to North London, however, Jonathan and Melissa have something important to address; this week's announcement of a partnership between British Cycling and Shell UK. Both sides have been talking-up the eight-year deal, but it's attracted wide, understandable criticism. Melissa gives all the background and we extend an invitation to both British Cycling and Shell UK to join us on a future edition of Emergency on Planet Sport.

Sporting major events come and go; they pop up in one place, disappear and then return somewhere completely different, usually four years later. So how does this distinctly unsustainable operation have a lasting legacy? How do we make sure “learnings are not lost”. We visit the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to speak to their sustainability team; Jess Fidler and Jo Leigh. They really want their lessons, positive and negative, to be passed on to future events in a caring, sharing way. Consultant Amanda Curtis joins the pod to continue the theme of passing on learnings; she worked for London 2012 but also has perspective from other sectors after a career in retail. And some strong thoughts from Amanda and Melissa on the danger of offsetting. Plus Jonathan ranting about a car park. All the good stuff. Time Codes: 01:30 We set out the "learnings not lost" concept when it comes to major events. 02:40. Jonathan's on, what he calls "a grassy knoll". Whatever that is. More relevantly, he's in Birmingham at the Commonwealth Games. 03:40. Hello to Jessica Fidler and Jo Leigh, from the Birmingham 2022 sustainability team. Jess sets out the ambitions. 04:30. Jo outlines some of the specific missions to deliver on the sustainability pledges. 06:40. Spectator transport accounts for a huge proportion of the Games' carbon footprint. It's the 'big stuff which makes the major impact', observes Jonathan. 07:50. So the post-event analysis is important: "We need to be transparent with our learnings" says Jess. They want to share and reach out, 'to make sure the learnings don't get lost' adds Jo. 09:30. A free-to-access carbon-literacy resource will be available through the Birmingham 2022 website, to help different sectors understand the carbon legacy and get an official certification. 11:15. Athlete engagement has involved work with Athletes of the World. Melissa tells us more... it's about making them feel confident about speaking credibly on these issues. 15:15. Melissa's analysis on the percentage of carbon emissions created by spectator transport. 16:15. Jonathan rants about the NEC car parks, not for the first time. Can we take some bigger decisions in the future? 17:45. Welcome to Amanda Curtis: sustainability manager at London 2012 and sustainability consultant for many governing bodies. 19:15. She talks about sustainability being embedded in the major event bid process. 22:10. Amanda shares some of her experiences of lesson-sharing in retail; sport has a long way to go.. 25:00. Melissa wants to emphasise how offsetting is not a solution. Amanda agrees; it's about reduction not offsetting. 28:20. Amanda says 'it's about being bold, about taking risks'. The big changes will make a difference. 30:15. The thorny issue of high-polluting sponsors. Melissa gets straight to the point... 33:00. Thanks to Amanda Curtis. Melissa reflects on the 'outside perspective'... 35:20. Back to Birmingham and more from Jo Leigh, former GB International Hockey player. What's her view on the future of major events? 36:50. Jo wants a climate-centric games in the future; Jonathan goes on about the car park again. Thankfully Jo agrees. 39:15. A final thought as Jo considers her athlete friends. Are more willing to engage in the conversation now, compared with Rio 2016? 41:00. A big few years ahead for Australia in terms of major events! A NinetyFour19 production.

After appealing in Episode One for global sport leaders to step forward and speak more openly about environmental awareness, we have our first Chief Executive on the series; the man at the top of the governing body of men's tennis, Massimo Calvelli. As Chief Executive Officer of the ATP, Massimo has a lot of influence on a global scale - among players, tournaments, sponsors and rights holders. Tennis has almost as many stakeholders as it does acronyms! But taking co-ordinated action on sustainability requires positive collaboration; something this series is advocating. And that requires ambitious and authentic leadership. We're delighted to have the chance to welcome such an influential figure onto the series and thank the ATP for being open and honest as they start their journey in this space. By hearing more organisations and leaders address the topic in a refreshing manner, more doors will open and barriers break down. It's to be encouraged! We're also joined by Mark Epps from the ATP Communications team, talking about the development of a carbon tracker app which plans to launch in 2023. Time Codes: 00:00 Unnecessary but surprising chat about music and mountains with Melissa and Jonathan! 02:30. We need buy in from the very top level of sport, explains Melissa. 04:15. Hello to Massimo Calvelli, the Chief Executive Officer of the ATP, the governing body of men's tennis. 06:00. After outlining the ATP's strategic priorities, Massimo opens up on how they need a mindset change to fulfil expectations on issues that impact society. 07:45. How does he harness support of athletes competing in an individual sport to act collectively on issues such as the future of the planet? 09:30. Tennis players avoid the fear of hypocrisy. It starts with awareness and acceptance, says Massimo, and there is a desire. 10:50. Can more be done to reduce the amount of global travel in tennis, by adjusting the calendar? 12:00. Players can choose not to fly by private jets, as some have, but has the ATP cut back its travel for things like business meetings? 13:45. Massimo talks about the tournament tool kit they've developed so tournaments can learn how to reduce resource consumption. 15:00. Jonathan talks about how important it is to have these open and honest conversations. 16:30. Tennis is played in extreme temperatures in many locations around the world. Where is breaking point? 18:00. Collaboration is so important, particularly in a sport such as tennis with so many governing bodies & Grand Slams. 19:00. Jonathan challenges Massimo to help organise a group of players to talk about sustainability. It has to be authentic, he says. 20:15. Is Massimo committed to ensuring tennis finds a solution towards eliminating single-use plastics? 22:15. What is the biggest challenge ahead? It's all about communication... confidence in talking about shortcomings. 24:00. Jonathan and Melissa reflect on Massimo's interview. 28:30. Melissa makes the point that the three pillars in the ATP strategy are interlinked, and shouldn't be taken in isolation. 32:20. Mark Epps, from the ATP communications team, joins the pod to explain development of the ATP carbon tracker app. 34:15. Why should players want to get involved. Mark's all about incentives... 35:30. Jonathan wants to pick Mark up on the desire to offset carbon emissions. It's not the answer... 37:15. Mark sees it as an opportunity for players rather a problem. Players need to stand for something, reflected in brand popularity. 40:00. More analysis from Melissa. 40:45. The elephant in the room is sport's relationship with offsetting, she says. www.atptour.com

Jonathan's in Bristol to speak to Katie Cross from Pledgeball and Pete Smith from Bristol City FC. They're exploring the idea, mooted in Episode Two with Sail GP, that we can redefine the parameters of sporting success. Of course winning means more goals, more points and faster times. But does it always have to be? As we search for positive solutions in the sport and sustainability space, clubs and supporters are on a quest for daily victories! Can these different "wins" help with the global fight against climate change, if we all work together? That's certainly the message from Pledgeball, an increasingly popular scheme which allows supporters to make simple changes to their everyday lives. Bristol City, one of the clubs fully behind it, are on their own mission to engage with fans, but it's all about the communication, according to Pete, who is a must-listen in this episode along with the inspirational Katie. Find out more about Pledgeball at https://www.pledgeball.org and check out the case study Katie talks about at https://climateoutreach.org/engaging-football-fans-case-study/ Time Codes: 00:00. Uh-oh. What's up with Jonathan?! 02:20. Hello to Katie Cross from Pledgeball. It's all about the tone of the conversation... 04:40. So how does Pledgeball work? Katie explains. 06:20. We introduce Pete Smith from Bristol City. Why did they want to be part of Pledgeball? 08:00. Katie's all about shifting mindsets with the aim to spark conversation in spheres where it hasn't before. 09:30. How much buy-in is there at the top of a football club like the Robins? 10:20. Katie puts it simply; sustainability isn't an extra that is showcased but something that's integral to every decision. 11:15. Pete explains the size of the Bristol Sport umbrella and the work that's being done to deliver significant change. 12:45 But who's asking the challenging questions? 14:00. Pete wants supporters to "put their green glasses on" when they come to games, to get people thinking. 15:30. Katie and Pete talk about getting people talking and how we can slant the conversation to engage more football fans. 17:30. A city rivalry! Bristol City aren't the only Pledgeball team in town! Welcome to The Gas... 18:30 The lights go out. Somebody wave! 19:00. Jonathan starts thinking out loud. 20:15. Will winning always mean winning the match? Pete and Katie get deep into this and what winning means to the fans. 22:45. Pete says "the impact of getting this wrong will be absolutely huge". Fans now get that, he says. 23:30. Katie says this scheme helps make visible the fact that people care. It's about social norms in adopting a cultural shift. 25:15. Making an impact turns a club - or any organisation - into a more attractive proposition for a workforce and sponsors, as well as supporters. 27:20. Why did they name their project "Project Whitebeam". Leads to an interesting conversation about language and phraseology. 28:50. Katie talks up the Bundesliga example of writing sustainability into the licensing of clubs. 30:00. More on how Pledgeball works; Katie explains how supporters can help on a match day. 31:15. Pete suggests all other clubs should engage with Pledgeball to save a large amount of carbon. "It will be worth doing it" he says. 32:30. Jonathan and Melissa discuss what they've heard. 33:30. How important is vocabulary in this conversation? 35:00. Jonathan wonders whether the challenging questions can be asked more directly to people in power at football clubs. 37:00. Melissa is getting slightly tired of talk of "small steps". What circumstances would we need to have "big steps"?

Sail GP are making waves with their global sailing series, not least with their innovative "Impact League". Fiona Morgan, Tom Verity and Isabella Bertold join the pod to explain how sport can lead on incentivising athletes and setting a purpose from the beginning. On this second series, we're visiting a lot of clubs, venues and organisations who got in touch after series one. We're nice guys, we've got legs and microphones! The mission is to give a voice to projects making a positive difference in the sport and sustainability space, especially those showing creative thinking and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The more we can share ideas and talk through challenges, the more we can push together with better collective prospects! That's the plan, anyway... So where better to start than with our friends at Sail GP. This global series featuring F50 Catamarans may only be three years old but it's making serious waves. Not least because of the innovative "Impact League" which pits teams against each other in a sustainability sense. And here's the key thing; it isn't just for show or pride at the end of the race weekend, the Impact League challenges everyone in the sport to do better. Real change, real results. We love the concept and want to hear how other sports could implement a similar scheme. Email us planetsportpod@gmail.com or follow @planetsportpod on socials! Time Codes: 01:15 Melissa sets up the episode; we win and lose now, both in a sporting and environmental context. 02:15 Jonathan arrives in Plymouth and meets Fiona Morgan, Director of Impact and Purpose at Sail GP at the Harbourside. 03:30 Fiona introduces us to Sail GP; "the most exciting racing on water; powered by the wind and the sun" 06:00 The Impact League was launched in Plymouth in 2021. Athletes are rates for sustainability; "redefining performance" says Fiona. 08:00 The incentives include cash donations to purpose partners and also benefits over race weekend which could impact on end-result performance. 09:30 Fiona says she wants to share learnings and help another sport take on the concept. She talks about how the Impact League can be developed. 11:30 Jonathan and Melissa take stock of what they've heard and consider how the Impact League could be used by other sports. 16:00 Team Canada's Isabella Bertold talks about how competitive the Impact League is among the sailors. Competitive, but inspirational. 18:00 In a surprise twist, Isabella reveals how scientists are trying to teach a mushroom to eat the Clysar plastic which covers the boats. 19:30 Isabella talks about her dual-life as a pro cyclist. She's passionate about helping cycling make progress on sustainability but says it's "miles behind". 22:30 Isabella's cycling between St Tropez in France to Cadiz in Spain; about 1200km. (Note: She has successfully completed the ride since this episode was recorded). 24.20 Jonathan and Melissa take stock again. Melissa is inspired by the magic mushroom... 26:45 We meet Tom Verity; On-Water Transition Manager to talk about the "surround sound" of sport, something Sail GP is working hard on. 28:30 The marine industry is lagging behind in the transition to cleaner power solutions. Tom discusses the challenges. 29:45 Tom's passionate about being honest about the challenges. 30:30 Fiona Morgan's back to expand on the challenges but look for the opportunities. "Get on board now!" she says. 32:30 Jonathan and Melissa wrap up by assessing what they've heard. Individual impact versus Bigger Picture.

Series two of Emergency on Planet Sport has arrived with new episodes dropping every Wednesday and a new co-host! After injury wrecked her Tokyo Olympic dream, international rower Melissa Wilson has new priorities; firstly, developing her organisation "Athletes of the World" and, secondly, plonking herself on the EOPS sofa next to Jonathan Overend! We're going to look at the positive solutions being found within the broad sports community to tackle the climate emergency with stories and case studies. We want to focus on the collaborative work in this space and give a voice to success stories. We know how bad the global situation is, and hopefully by now we've understood the risk to sport in the short term. Now we need to act. And many within sport are acting. Melissa is one of the most respected voices in this area and it's great to have her on board for this new series. In this opening episode, she and Jonathan chat through the aims for the new episodes and assess progress since January 2021 when the first series of EOPS was released, to global acclaim. Time Codes: 00:30 Melissa reflects on her journey "evolving away from rowing" which leads her, conveniently to the EOPS sofa. 01:30 Jonathan talks about the reaction to series one and why we're back. Melissa sounds excited. 02:50 Where are the leaders? Come and talk about your challenges and complexities. 03:30 That vulnerability is important, says Melissa, and exciting. We have something to achieve and overcome. 04:30 This is a UK-based podcast; so bringing you case studies will mean the majority will be UK-based. Plus global climate facts. 06:45 Melissa says the first series opened her eyes and ears to the global emergency. 08:00 Is there more engagement within sport than 18 months ago? Is this in the in-tray of the top executives, therefore at the heart of the big organisations? 10:00 Vocabulary is important, says Melissa. Big ambition needs to trump marginal gains. 11:15 Jonathan drops the "R" word and instantly regrets it, schooled by Melissa's omnipresent common sense. 12:45 The rate of fossil fuel production continues to strike a sinister warning. Melissa turns on a bathtub analogy. 14:15 Melissa: "Unless we react in an urgent and ambitious way, we will look back and think this was good." 16:30 Jonathan suggests, rather than scary, the challenge should be seen as exciting and the opportunity to shift the dial. 17:30 Which sector of society will make the scale of impact required, if not sport? It's a good question... 18:40 Melissa's metaphors move from bath-tubs to penalty shoot-outs. Can we address our fears? 19:30 "This is a match we can win!" [Melissa for PM; Editor] 20:00 Jonathan wants leaders to harness the fight. Sport is full of them; so where are they on the biggest topic? 21:30 Which leads us neatly to Athletes of the World, Melissa's new organisation. Tell us more... 22:15 Did she get a reply from the UK Prime Minister to the letter sent ahead of COP, signed by 300+ GB athletes? 23:10 Some creative ideas for athletes to drop into interviews. Change the tone of the conversation... 24:45 Melissa sets out her two main goals; athlete education and bringing athletes together through campaigns. 26:30 Referencing Greta Thunberg, Melissa makes the point you don't need to be a superstar to make a wide impact. 27:00 Jonathan explains that we're going on a tour of organisations who took the trouble to get in touch after series one. 28:15 Get in touch: planetsportpod@gmail.com @planetsportpod on the socials.

Emergency on Planet Sport, the groundbreaking podcast documentary series released in January 2021, is returning for a second series. We can now announce that host Jonathan Overend, the international broadcaster responsible for making series one, will be joined by one of the most respected voices in the sport and sustainability space; Melissa Wilson, from Athletes of the World. This series is about collaboration and positive solution. We'll hear from athletes, sports, venues, events and governing bodies... and we'd love to hear from you! Email us: planetsportpod@gmail.com and reconnect on social media @planetsportpod. And do check you're still subscribing so you get the new series; coming September 2022. A NinetyFour19 Production.

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Radical proposals for the Greatest Show on Earth.

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Tees and greens "eaten alive" by coastal erosion. Make no mistake; links golf is in danger.

This challenging eight-part series investigates the links between sport and climate change and asks the sporting community, including us as fans and followers, to assess our contribution to an unfolding crisis.