The world of sports, a global symbol of perseverance and unity, is increasingly entangled with the fossil fuel industry. A recent investigation by the New Weather Institute (NWI) has exposed how these corporations use sponsorships to polish their public image while their operations contribute significantly to climate change. This phenomenon, known as “sportswashing,” mirrors strategies once deployed by the tobacco industry.
The NWI’s analysis of over 200 sponsorship deals highlights the pervasive influence of fossil fuel companies in sports. Football tops the list with 58 deals, followed by motorsports with 39, rugby with 17, and golf with 15. Leading this charge is Saudi Aramco, the world’s most profitable company, which has active sponsorship contracts worth $1.3 billion. Such partnerships allow these corporations to associate themselves with the values of teamwork and excellence that sports represent, deflecting attention from their environmental impact.
The environmental consequences of this relationship are stark. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and worsening air quality—direct results of fossil fuel consumption—are already disrupting sports. For example, during the US Open, players faced unprecedented heatwaves that affected performance and safety. In Australia, cricket matches and community events have been canceled due to bushfire threats, directly linked to fossil fuel-driven climate change.
THE ALARM HAS SOUNDED
Andrew Simms, co-director of NWI, has warned that if sports continue to serve as platforms for fossil fuel polluters, they risk undermining their own future. Similarly, athletes like Olympic gold medalist Imogen Grant have spoken out against these partnerships, arguing that accepting funding from polluters compromises the integrity of sports and its commitment to a sustainable future.
The report makes a strong case for adopting measures akin to the ban on tobacco advertising. It calls on sports governing bodies to:
– Prohibit sponsorship deals with fossil fuel companies
–Ensure transparency in emissions data and climate initiatives tied to sponsorships
–Seek funding aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals
Prominent athletes like Grant have emphasized the urgency of these measures, arguing that relying on funding from fossil fuel giants is a short-term solution with catastrophic long-term consequences. She urges sports organizations to prioritize sustainability and take a definitive stand against environmentally destructive practices.
A TURNING POINT FOR SPORTS
The battle against “sportswashing” is part of a broader movement to hold corporations accountable for their environmental impact. While the financial allure of fossil fuel sponsorships is undeniable, the moral and ecological costs are far greater. For sports to remain a beacon of hope and unity, it must sever ties with industries that threaten the very conditions required for its survival.
In the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, oil and gas producers are the “godfathers of climate chaos.” If sports organizations fail to act, they risk becoming accomplices in perpetuating a warming world.
This pivotal moment calls for collective action. Fans, athletes, and stakeholders must demand a cleaner, greener future for sports—one where its immense influence is used to inspire progress, not obscure environmental destruction. By rejecting fossil fuel sponsorships, the sports industry can reclaim its role as a champion of resilience, unity, and sustainability.
