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Scots support sports clubs implementing environmental measures

22 November 2023

More than three quarters of people in Scotland believe that sports clubs and sport governing bodies should work to reduce emissions and impacts on the planet.

We recently commissioned Diffley Partnership to conduct a national poll of adults across the country to explore their attitude towards climate action in sport.

Through a Scotpulse survey held between 25 and 28 August, 1,940 people responded to the survey and 60% of those who responded either play or follow sports.

Seventy-nine per cent of those who responded agree that sports clubs should work to reduce their emissions and impact on the planet, while 77% believe sport governing bodies such as the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Rugby should also work to reduce their environmental impact.

Breaking down the themes around climate action, a huge majority of Scots (91%) say that action should be taken to reduce waste at sports venues and that action should be taken to improve nature and biodiversity in and around sports facilities (76%).

Furthermore, more than half agree that sports clubs (58%), sport governing bodies (60%) and sports players (50%) should use their platform to encourage climate action.

Catherine Gee, our Deputy CEO, said: "The insight gathered from the research conducted by Diffley Partnership has shown there is a real desire for Scotland’s sport sector to accelerate its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

"Our own work to address this issue, including our recent Climate Action in Sport seminar, has shown there are simple yet effective ways for sport governing bodies, clubs and individuals to take action and combat climate change.

"As a Platinum Carbon Literate Organisation, we have a thorough understanding of the climate emergency and have adapted our Climate Emergency Training to suit a number of sectors.

"I encourage anyone who is interested in learning more to get in touch with us. Together, we can help Scotland become a net zero nation."

As part of our work to support Scotland becoming net zero we are developing our Climate Support for Sport.

Please email heather.ashworth@keepscotlandbeautiful.org if you would like to know more.

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