Gloucestershire CCC Community Climate Action Project
Some of our volunteers setting up before the match
The Next Test is collaborating with Gloucestershire County Cricket Club (GCCC) in their Community Climate Action Project, and our recent outreach session was the first information gathering opportunity this season. This community project is aligned to the Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, with the intention of gathering the voices of the cricket community, and asking them to share their concerns and solutions. Supporter input will contribute to their climate action plan in May 2025.
See this link for more details and the announcement last month: https://bristolclimatenature.org/news/six-new-groups-join-community-climate-action-project/
The weather was typically British, as blue skies in the morning were quickly overtaken by clouds and a blustery northeast wind! Our Sunday session on 9th June, featured here used materials from our previous outreach days, while incorporating new ideas to interact with GCCC supporters. Our engagement included a survey questionnaire; a 22 yard mini-wicket to rate people’s thoughts on four issues; a road map where they could write down their personal opinions; and lots of productive conversations during the day.
Our display table included ‘climate stripes’ heat charts of the men’s T20 World Cup participants, a concept devised by Ed Hawkins at the University of Reading: https://showyourstripes.info/
Some survey observations
Our survey asked supporters if they were aware of how climate change is directly affecting cricket. Lots of people mentioned increased rain or flooding cancelling play at Worcestershire and other UK grounds, but they were not aware of the reasons why a warming planet would cause this. Although one woman knew exactly why, as she told us she works at the Met Office!
We usually explained how humidity increases as the temperature rises, and this will likely get worse due to man-made greenhouse gasses. The knock-on effect of more rain includes difficulties for amateur clubs when seeking insurance for contents, equipment, buildings, electricity, plumbing, etc., all of which can be damaged due to flooding, but most people were not aware of this grassroots issue in the UK.
A local Bristol story was also prominent as fans and members spoke about GCCC exploring options to move to a new ground. Some were supportive from a financial point of view, but most of them highlighted the need to drive cars to a cricket ground that may be located outside of the city, compared to more responsible walking, cycling and public transportation options available at the current ground. A few also commented on the resources needed to build a new stadium, saying it is not good for the planet.
The survey then asked people if they knew how other cricketing nations are being affected by climate change, and while many responders referred to ‘heat’, they did not know more than that. Record breaking temperatures of 52 degrees Celsius were reached in Pakistan and India at the end of May, - people are advised not to play sports when the temperature is above 33-35 degrees Celsius, with children particularly affected.
We also discussed how the coral reefs suffer from bleaching in the West Indies and Australia, decreasing marine life for fishermen and eroding a protective barrier for storm surges which have destroyed cricket pitches. The analogy of a ‘perfect storm’ is apt as climate change is influencing the next generation’s ability to play worldwide, right in front of our eyes.
Our mini-wicket rating system
We encouraged the use of stickers on a wicket to rate individual’s views from lowest to highest on topical issues. Please note that the colours of the stickers do not symbolise anything, it is where people place it horizontally that gives their rating for these four questions.
Are you concerned about climate change and bio-diversity loss?
What is your knowledge of how climate change impacts cricket?
Is the cricket community acting fast enough on these issues?
How empowered do you feel to enact changes?
Fans used stickers to rate their thoughts from least to most on a 22 yard wicket. This image was taken in-between innings, and the ratings did not change much as the day progressed.
This is the second time we have used our mini-wicket, and a majority continue to express high concerns about climate change, towards the 22 yard mark. But there was a considerable downturn in people feeling they have capacity or power to enact change, indicated from 0 to 5.5 yards.
We wondered why this downturn occurred, has the cricket community been brow beaten by those in charge? We know government policy has weakened previous climate change resolutions, and fossil fuel companies are reneging on their green promises, in spite of scientific evidence for a quicker transition.
The good news is that cricket supporters have powerful voices on their side, including current and past players, as highlighted in our recent ‘Climate Heroes XI’ blog. We also posted how Mike Brearley spoke out about fossil fuel sponsorship earlier this month, see this link:
https://x.com/TheNextTest/status/1800133981482148056
A road map for hope
We encouraged people to write down their concerns, suggestions, or solutions on a road map, providing fantastic feedback for GCCC’s research and future proposals. Some interesting comments from the audience are as follows.
Nature – concern about chemicals on cricket pitches; care for green space
Education – listening to locals; worried about the next generation of cricketers, potentially playing in domes; plastic is not needed
Travel – organise schedules and regional league play to reduce emissions
Sport – no carbon sponsorships; players using their platform as role models
An example of our road map where people could share their views.
Outreach day on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024
We are looking forward to our next session at The Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, as England women take on New Zealand in the 3rd ODI. There may be opportunities for you to join us this season, if you want to be part of the solution. Please contact us to let us know your background or skills for volunteering if you are interested!
The Next Test is an entirely volunteer run organisation. Please donate to help us continue our work.
