New research from Dr Greg Dingle has examined how sporting organisations are responding to climate change.
“Climate change-informed research is needed at every level, and in every sector, of the sports industry,” he says. “For example, we know very little about how decision-makers in sport interpret climate risks and impacts, or what shapes decisions about where and how sport is played during this era of climate change.”
Dr Dingle’s latest study examined the experiences of sport managers across community sporting clubs.
“We found that hazards including extreme heat, heavy rainfall, flooding, drought and bushfire smoke were disrupting competitions. They also posed safety risks, damaged facilities and contributed to lost revenue for sporting clubs.”
However, responses to these hazards were often short-term and reactive.
“Community sport managers are often on the frontline of these impacts, but many do not have the resources, knowledge or policy guidance they need to plan for longer-term change,” hesays.
The findings from this research will inform practical approaches for the sector and provide an evidence base for policy changes.
“In researching climate hazards and how they impact sport, my colleagues and I have been able to build some basic foundations for evolving public policy to address the serious and urgent issues facing the sport sector,” he says.
The team’s next step will be to examine what makes sporting organisations more resilient and how existing responses can develop into more effective forms of adaptation.
