Sport England Chairman Chris Boardman stated on Tuesday that sports clubs and organizations must step up their game to become leaders in the fight against catastrophic climate change.

Boardman, a former Olympic gold medalist in cycling, opened the Sport Positive Summit at the Oval Cricket Ground in London. He praised the work done by grassroots clubs and professional clubs, but said that sport still does not do its part.

"If climate changes are a threat multiplier, then sport can be a solution multiplier." Boardman said that as a sport sector, we could choose to use this gift in order to benefit society.

"But, despite some passionate innovators, we as a sector are not yet punching above our weight." My call to action is to change our mindset and to raise our ambition. We need to leverage the unique platform that sport and physical activity provides to win hearts, minds, and money.

Global sports have a large carbon footprint. They are also on the front line of climate change, with increasing temperatures, droughts and flooding already having adverse impacts at multiple events.

Boardman, 56, said that the carbon footprint of sport and its contribution to waste are massive. He cycled in July from Manchester to Paris to highlight the environmental sustainability work done by sports clubs.

"We must rewire the system to provide appropriate incentives for people to do the right things, and to increase the consequences of doing the wrong things."

Boardman praised some of the professional soccer clubs that are currently operating in England, but said that expanded UEFA/FIFA competitions as well as money-making pre-season tours forced teams and fans to travel huge distances.

"I do not believe in outright banning flying but we need to find a better balance." He said that it was time for our top clubs to take a stand and be on the right side history.

Imogen Grant of Britain, who was awarded the BBC Green Sports Awards for the year by her role in highlighting initiatives to promote clean water, and won a gold in Paris, explained that athletes are often put in an uncomfortable position because of the demands of their sport.

The 28-year old said, "It's one of the most difficult things about being a part of an organisation. You aren't always the one who is pulling the strings."

As an individual, it is much easier to make personal choices. However, the most impactful decisions are those made collectively. (Reporting and Editing by Christian Radnedge.)

(source: Reuters)