Can football catalyse climate action?
Football is more than a game. It’s a global cultural force with the power to shift norms, inspire communities, and mobilise collective action. As the climate crisis demands transformative change in how we live and consume, the world of sport, and football in particular, faces a critical question: can it become a genuine catalyst for climate action?
This event will explore how football clubs, players, fans, and governing bodies are addressing the climate crisis: from reducing emissions and plastic use in stadiums, to engaging supporters in sustainable behaviours. It will draw on behavioural science, social psychology, and environmental policy research to discuss what makes football uniquely positioned to lead societal change.
Meet your speakers and chair
Elliot Arthur-Worsop is a climate expert and Sports Industry 30-under-30 Leader. Elliot is founder of Football For Future (FFF), a pioneering non-profit specialising in football, climate awareness and sustainable impact. FFF have developed industry-leading climate education and training programmes in football, award winning player advocacy campaigns, and sustainability strategies for Premier League clubs and national football leagues. Partners include Nike, the Premier League, Arsenal, Chelsea and more.
Katie Cross is CEO and Founder of Pledgeball, a research-backed charity that accelerates action on climate and nature through sports. Working with stakeholders across the sports community, from UEFA, the Premier League and the Lawn Tennis Association to the Football Supporters' Association, Pledgeball effectively mobilises the sports ecosystem to make pro-environmental choices resulting in a reduction in emissions on game day and beyond, from engaging fans to accelerating structural change.
Alexei Rojas is one of Arsenal’s most exciting football prospects, combining elite performance on the pitch with a growing influence in environmental and social impact work. As a professional footballer for Arsenal and Colombia U20, Alexei uses his platform to drive positive social and environmental change within football and beyond. Previously, he has spoken at the Eden Project where he highlighted the powerful role sport can play in supporting both people and the planet. With a multicultural background and fluency in English, Russian, and Spanish, Alexei brings a global perspective and relentless work ethic to every challenge. During his time at Arsenal Football Club, he has helped champion sustainable practices, including recycling initiatives, waste reduction, energy-saving measures, and the elimination of single-use plastics. He also works closely with Common Goal and Charity Boots, supporting sport for social impact projects worldwide. An impactful public speaker, Alexei is passionate about inspiring confidence, courage, and meaningful change.
Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, is an environmental psychologist, specialising in perceptions and behaviour in relation to climate change. Based in the Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK, she is Director of the ESRC-funded UK Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST). She regularly advises governmental and other organisations on low-carbon behaviour change and climate change communication, and is an IPCC Lead Author.
Jan Zglinski is Associate Professor at the LSE Law School. His research focuses on sports law and regulation, alongside EU constitutional and internal market law. Widely cited across media, he has served as expert for the Union of European Clubs (UEC) and FIFPRO. Jan submitted evidence to the House of Commons on the Football Governance Act and to the European Commission on the European Sports Model. His recent work includes ‘The European Sports Act: a proposal to improve sports governance through EU legislation’.
More about this event
This event is part of the LSE Festival: How to save the planet running from Monday 15 to Saturday 20 June 2026. This year's Festival explores how existential threats including the climate crisis, conflict and AI are affecting all parts of the world, transforming the way and where we live, and how our societies function. With a series of events asking what can we be doing to save the Earth, its people and environment? Booking for all Festival events will open on Monday 18 May.
From the world to the lab and back again. The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science (@LSE_PBS) is a growing community of researchers, intellectuals, and students who investigate the human mind and behaviour in a societal context. Our department conducts cutting-edge psychological and behavioural research that is both based in and applied to the real world.
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