In August 2024, Cricket for Climate hosted its inaugural Cricket for Climate Academy. A groundbreaking event that brought Australian cricketers, community leaders and climate experts together in one of Australia’s stunning national parks.

The academy was a unique opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of climate change, its impacts on cricket and the practical steps they can take to make a difference. Attendees, who were already experiencing the effects of climate change on the game, were immersed in climate science, First Nations knowledge and practical strategies on how to take action.

From developing personal net zero game plans to learning how to effectively communicate about climate change, participants left the academy equipped with the knowledge and tools to become climate leaders in their communities. The event highlighted the power of sports to inspire and drive meaningful change. Demonstrating that even small actions can lead to significant progress in the fight against climate change.

Ashton and David standing infront of a Cricket for Climate backdrop.

The first Cricket for Climate Academy

With support from players, the Local Government Association, local councils, and solar and battery infrastructure providers, Cricket for Climate installed 83 kW of solar panels and batteries at the junior cricket clubs of five elite Australian Cricket players across NSW, all at no cost to the clubs.

Each project launch attracted significant PR, media coverage, and community engagement. The benefits observed from these projects include economic gains through reduced energy costs, which put money back into clubs, councils, the community, and the game. Environmentally, they have contributed to greenhouse gas reduction. Socially, they have connected the community and raised awareness and action on energy transition and net-zero solutions.

The five clubs we have completed to date include:

Northern District Cricket Club, Waitara NSW: 

“Through generous donations, we’ve been able to install solar power to all club projects to date at zero cost to them. We’ve learned much in the initial phase of energy upgrades across five clubs, and that the engagement from these clubs and their councils has been amazing. We are looking to make further impact at scale as we look to plan a second phase of our energy upgrade program. We also want to look beyond solar and batteries for clubs and develop a blueprint for what a sustainable club of the future looks like.” - Pat Cummins, Australian Men’s Captain.

Community clubs solar projects 

Cricket for Climate hosted its inaugural Climate Impact Summit in 2022, bringing together Cricket administration, players, other sports, government, athletes, cricket sponsors, corporate Australia and climate and energy transition experts – to learn, collaborate and pledge to drive impact in line with our purpose.

In attendance were current and former players such as Pat Cummins, Sir Ian Chappell, Belinda Clarke, and Alex Blackwell, as well as Cricket Australia and state and territory CEOs, major sporting stadiums like Venues NSW and Stadium Queensland, and Minister Bowen, the Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy.

Thought leaders in climate, energy, and community regeneration, including Saul Griffiths, Damon Gameau, and Greg Mullins, also participated. The summit included youth, First Nations, and sportspeople who have experienced the impact of climate change on their lives and society.

Cricket for Climate Summit

In July 2024, the International Cricket Council's Global Conference convened the Chair and CEO's from all 108 member nations globally. Cricket for Climate CEO Joanne Bowen and co-founder and chair Natalie Davey had the honor of being invited to discuss the profound impacts of climate change on our beloved summer sport.

The evidence shared at the conference was stark: Hurricane Beryl recently stranded World Cup players from the victorious T20 Indian team in the West Indies, extreme heat is impacting grassroots participation in some countries, increased rain and flooding is disrupting play and air quality and extreme heat is impacting player health and wellbeing.

The insights shared by cricket playing nations from all around the world underscored the urgency of this issue. Connecting these seemingly isolated and place based experiences is the case for global change.

As the second largest sport globally, cricket has a unique opportunity to lead by example, reducing its own emissions and galvanising 3.4 billion fans to take meaningful action. Proactive measures from some countries are already underway. With cricket poised for growth, including its re-inclusion in the Olympics in 2028, this commitment must be central to our mission. To win at cricket, we need to win at climate.

The ICC Global Conference provided a critical platform to shine a spotlight on climate change's devastating impact on cricket. With the sport's immense global reach, it is imperative that cricket seizes this opportunity to lead by example, reducing its own carbon footprint and inspiring fans to join the fight for a sustainable future.

ICC Global Conference

Cricket for Climate collaborated with Cricket Australia to install a 285kW solar system at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane – removing close to 8,000 tonnes of carbon and saving an expected $1m in energy costs over the 20-year lifespan of the project.’

The National Cricket Centre is Australian cricket’s home of world-leading training and playing facilities accessible year-round that allows preparation in a variety of conditions and can be used by international, national, and state teams, pathway programs and community cricket clubs.

”We are really pleased Pat has taken a lead on this initiative just as he does on the field. Cricket for Climate have already created tangible benefits for some local clubs and it’s great they have been able to extend this to the National Cricket Centre through a collaboration with Cricket Australia.” - James Allsopp, Cricket Australia Executive General Manager, Community and Capability.

“I’m proud Cricket Australia has partnered with Cricket for Climate as part of a broader ambition to drive positive change across cricket. Cricket is a quintessential part of the Australian summer – however, our game is vulnerable to climate change. The partnership with Cricket Australia, State Associations, as well as local cricket clubs and councils is fundamental to achieving meaningful progress.” - Pat Cummins, Australian Men’s Captain.

National Cricket Centre solar project

Inspired by the Cricket for Climate movement, South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) developed a Sustainability Group and action plan. So far, they have implemented a recycling program, permanent power installation at a venue removing need for hired diesel generators, and a new waste management system, that has reduced their carbon emissions by 34 tonnes all within 10 months of getting started!

“SACA has recognised the need for sustainable practices, action is needed now to reduce cricket’s carbon footprint, conserve resources and promote environmentally friendly behaviours. I’m really proud of all the work our Sustainability Group has put in to get to this launch and am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve as an organisation to help create lasting and impactful change.” - Andrew Sweet, SACA Chief Business Officer

South Australian Cricket Association sustainability action plan

Cricket for Climate supported the Smart Energy Council’s Renewable Energy delegation to India to strengthen trade relations for renewable investment in Australia.

The delegation met with Indian organisations involved in developing major projects in Australia, seeking to invest in Australian initiatives, and interested in licensing Australian smart energy innovations, such as hydrogen production and electric vehicles. They also explored investment opportunities in critical minerals, battery manufacturing, solar modules, electrolysers, and other manufacturing sectors in Australia.

Given the strong relationship between Australia and India through cricket, Cricket for Climate facilitated the delegation's visit to India.

Smart Energy Council delegation to India

In partnership with Unified Energy and Australian Sports Climate, Cricket for Climate replaced 400 power hungry fridges at zero cost across 200 cricket clubs with energy efficient ones, reducing carbon and energy bills, improving energy efficiency, and building community awareness of the benefits of switching to energy efficient white goods.

Energy efficient refrigerators to NSW cricket clubs

When we come together as a team, we amplify our impact. We’d like to thank our collaborators for supporting Cricket for Climate’s purpose and helping us to create impact at pace and scale.

Environmental, Economic and Social impact. When we come together as a team, we can amplify our impact for the future of Cricket and our communities.

Our collective impact