Former Socceroo pushes for 2023 Women's World Cup to amplify climate change urgency

The Climate Council has advised that former Socceroos Captain, Craig Foster is pushing for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup to be used to further “the climate change agenda in sport globally, and make a major contribution to the world”.

Climate Council Chief Executive Amanda McKenzie has welcomed Foster’s open letter to Football Federation Australia’s Chairman, Chris Nikou, which has been sent today.

McKenzie notes “Craig Foster is absolutely right in saying that climate change should be front and centre of the 2023 World Cup.”

Foster’s nine-page letter says Australia and New Zealand should use every opportunity to amplify the urgency of the global challenge.

McKenzie adds “the Women’s World Cup is an opportunity for Australia to show global leadership on climate change. It’s in our interest to do this. We only have to look at the summer’s catastrophic bushfires and the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef to see the toll climate change is taking on Australia.”

Foster’s letter also points out that a climate-focused World Cup would have ramifications for all commercial partnerships for the event.

Climate Council’s Head of Research, Dr Martin Rice advises “Craig Foster’s proposal gives us the opportunity to kick things off differently.

“The international community has cried foul at the Australian Government’s unwillingness to act on climate change. The World Cup is a chance to showcase the beautiful game. Australia should play to the whistle of science.”