Irish Sport Unites for a Sustainable Future
The recent ‘Playing for the Planet’ Conference brought leaders, athletes, and administrators together at the Sport Ireland Campus for a conversation about the future of sport amid climate change. The message of the day was clear: sport is positioned to drive meaningful sustainability and behavioural change- and the time to act is now.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Minister Patrick O’Donovan emphasised how the actions taken today will determine the sporting landscape handed down to future generations. He highlighted the importance of small, intentional steps across all sporting disciplines and stressed that behavioural change must be encouraged at every level, from elite organisations to community clubs.
Sport as a Driver of Climate Action
Speakers from across the sporting community shared insights into how organisations are already working to future-proof sport, embedding sustainable thinking into planning, operations, and culture. Sport’s influential position in society gives us a unique ability to inspire action: from clubs to national governing bodies. Every sport has a role to play, and every organisation can contribute.
The Sailing Community: Charting a Greener Course
For the sailing community, the conference served as a timely reminder to consider what sustainability means on and off the water. Looking ahead, there is strong ambition within the sailing community to take sustainability a step further in 2026. Plans include the introduction of a Green Club status and a suite of Climate Action Toolkits and resources, offering guidance on:
These tools aim to empower sailing clubs across Ireland to reduce their environmental footprint and champion climate action.
Time for Change
The Playing for the Planet Conference underscored that sustainability is no longer optional, it is essential. Sport sits at the heart of Irish society, and with that comes an extraordinary capacity to inspire action. By working together, aligning with national and global frameworks, and embedding sustainable practices at every level, Irish sport can help secure a healthier, more resilient future.