The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is marking World Environment Day 2026 by reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience across the Pacific.
This year’s theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future” highlights the urgent need for action as communities across Oceania continue to face the growing impacts of climate change.
From rising temperatures and stronger cyclones, to coastal flooding and changing weather patterns, climate change is increasingly affecting the people, communities and environments where football is played throughout the region.
OFC Head of Social Responsibility Dr Teeny Aiken said World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.
“This World Environment Day, the theme ‘Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future’ is particularly meaningful for our region, where communities are experiencing the impacts of climate change on a daily basis,” Aiken said.
“This includes rising temperatures, stronger cyclones, coastal flooding, and increasing pressures on the people and places where football is played and part of life.
“World Environment Day reminds us that caring for nature is a shared responsibility, and the future of our Oceania football community depends on our collective action.”
Research commissioned by OFC and conducted by Dr Madeleine Orr from The Sport Ecology Group, found every OFC Member Association is already experiencing the impacts of climate change. The study identified risks including extreme heat, coastal flooding, water shortages, severe cyclones, heavy rainfall events and declining air quality in several countries.
These challenges are already affecting football across Oceania, as extreme heat has resulted in match delays and an increased use of water breaks, while severe weather events continue to disrupt competitions, training schedules and travel throughout the region.
Climate-related risks are also placing greater pressure on football infrastructure, with significant investment required to strengthen facilities against cyclones and flooding.
Over the past year, OFC has continued its work towards building a resilient Oceania through climate research, environmental education initiatives and sustainability programmes delivered alongside Member Associations.
As part of World Environment Day, OFC is encouraging football communities across the region to take action by learning about environmental issues, organising local clean-up and tree-planting activities, promoting climate awareness, strengthening sustainability policies and building partnerships that support environmental protection.
Together, football can play a role in creating a more sustainable and resilient future for Oceania.
Call to Action:
Educate – Learn about the deep connection between sport and the natural environment and gain practical knowledge to make a positive impact by completing the online Sport and Nature: Foundations for Action course
Organise – Lead nature-based work alongside football events, such as pitch and community clean-ups, tree-planting events, and recycling drives
Advocate – Spread awareness about football’s role in protecting the environment through social media campaigns using #NowForClimate and tag @UNEP
Govern – Adopt environmentally focused policies to reduce waste, source renewable energy, or protect native habitats
Partner – Connect with local environmental organizations, waste management, orgovernment to support combined efforts act now for climate
