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Cool Down
@cooldownnetwork.bsky.social
The world is heating up, Cool Down - the sport for climate action network, works to cool it down. We share here what our members do. See http://cooldownclimate.org
"Initiatives like the Fossil Free Declaration matter because they give athletes a collective voice. Speaking out alone can be daunting, but when athletes unite, it builds a sense of solidarity and strength."

✍️ Join the declaration as a concerned fan. 👇 5/5
The Fossil Free Declaration — Cool Down
Launched by the Cool Down - Sport For Climate Action Network, the Declaration is a pledge for sports organisations, athletes, and fans to demonstrate climate leadership by rejecting sponsorships and c...
www.cooldownclimate.org
November 13, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Why is sport such a powerful platform for change?

"Athletes are role models for the next generation. Sport has the platform and reach to change our hearts and minds, and show us what's possible for a better future." 4/5
SPORTING CHANGE: Do we need a ‘Marcus Rashford’ for the climate? — Cool Down
As a growing number of elite athletes use their platforms to call for more ambitious climate action and lifestyle changes, it is crucial to understand the impacts that athlete leadership could have - ...
www.cooldownclimate.org
November 13, 2025 at 12:35 PM
But extreme weather doesn't impact sport equally.

Grassroots sport, Barr points out, is far more vulnerable due to its limited resources.

Th UK research on the impact on grassroots sport.ess to local sport.

👇 UK research. 3/5
Climate in sport: Sport England says grassroots clubs can change country
Grassroots clubs have the power to address the on-going issue of extreme weather, according to Sport England.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 12:35 PM
“In 2019/20, during the Black Summer Bushfires, I remember training under an orange sky - you could smell the smoke as we warmed up.”

Australia is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, meaning extreme heat is already impacting sport in the country. 2/5
Australia’s bushfires 'made 30% more likely by climate change' |
Study explores role of human induced climate change in the 2019–2020 South-Eastern Australian bushfire season.
www.ox.ac.uk
November 13, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Football mirrors society. As climate impacts escalate, it will be a key for shaping how we choose to respond.

Bellerín’s story reminds us that culture, not just policy, will determine the world we build next. 5/5

Full piece. 👇
Héctor Bellerín’s journey: could footballers save the planet? — Cool Down
By Freddie Daley This chapter was originally published in ‘ Sporting Tales: 21 new stories for a troubled world '. As societies face up to the realities of a warming world, there is a simmeri...
www.cooldownclimate.org
October 14, 2025 at 9:34 AM
When footballers speak out on social and climate justice, they are often told to 'stick to the football', with many elite players choosing this as the path of least resistance.

But, Héctor has pushed back against this, calling for social and climate justice at every opportunity. 4/5
Hector Bellerin interview: ‘Measure your carbon footprint, change your behaviour’
Former Arsenal and Barcelona full-back Hector Bellerin tells The Athletic about his steps to combat climate change
www.nytimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:34 AM
With almost as many devout followers as the world's oldest religions, football is imbued with an almost spiritual cultural influence.

And footballers are the human face of the sport, whose personal and political lives have a significant impact on fans. 3/5
SPORTING CHANGE: Do we need a ‘Marcus Rashford’ for the climate? — Cool Down
As a growing number of elite athletes use their platforms to call for more ambitious climate action and lifestyle changes, it is crucial to understand the impacts that athlete leadership could have - ...
www.cooldownclimate.org
October 14, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Last week, Héctor was rightfully honoured as Global Champion by the BBC Green Sport Awards.

In a sport where private jets and gargantuan SUVs have become the norm, Héctor has walked the talk of climate action while calling for system change. 2/5
'With power comes responsibility' - Hector Bellerin wins BBC Green Sports Award
Former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin talks about his attempts to live a more sustainable life as he wins the BBC Green Sports Award.
www.bbc.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:34 AM