Fossil Fuel and Sport

Sport has long been a key arena for fossil fuel companies to polish their public image – from major event sponsorships to naming rights and grassroots programs. These partnerships can serve as powerful “greenwashing” tools that distract from the environmental damage caused by the fossil fuel industry.

These six resources explore the depth of fossil fuel influence in sport, and the growing movement to end it.

Why it’s so hard to kick fossil fuels out of sport

A UK PhD researcher unpacks why many sports remain dependent on fossil fuel sponsorship, and the cultural, financial, and political barriers to change.

Dirty Money: How Fossil Fuel Sponsors Pollute Sport

A detailed report by New Weather Institute and others on how fossil fuel sponsorships distort sport’s values and undermine sustainability efforts.

An institute at UCLA examines the legal, ethical, and environmental implications of fossil fuel involvement in sport.

Fossil fuel industry using sport to greenwash public image

The Australian Conservation Foundation reveals how fossil fuel companies leverage sports partnerships to appear environmentally responsible.

Calling Time: How to Remove Fossil Fuel Sponsorships from Sports, Arts and Events

Australia’s Climate Council provides a roadmap for organisations and governments to transition away from fossil fuel funding.

Majority Agree with Banning Fossil Fuel Sponsorship in Sport: Research Polling

Polling from The Australia Institute shows strong public support for banning fossil fuel sponsorship in sport.

The TDU is publicly owned and managed by the events division of the South Australian Tourism Commission, yet is headlined by Santos, one of Australia’s biggest polluters.

State budget papers show the government committing millions of dollars over coming years to support and improve the race. There has been speculation about Santos' contribution, but the value of the fossil fuel company’s sponsorship has not been disclosed. Requests for transparency about the contribution have to date not been acceded to.