Academic Background

About this course

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of sustainability and their relationship with sport in the context of today’s global challenges. Through conceptual frameworks and examples from the international sports ecosystem, learners will explore how environmental and social crises have driven the emergence of sustainable development and how these principles are applied in the world of sport today. From understanding planetary boundaries and social inequalities to examining the role of sport in human development, the course connects the theoretical foundations of sustainability with the reality of the sports sector. Throughout the lessons, you will discover the main international frameworks guiding global action, including the Sustainable Development Goals and international climate agreements. You will also learn how different actors in sport, such as federations, leagues, clubs, and major international events, are integrating sustainability commitments into their strategies. By the end of the course, you will understand the challenges, opportunities, and limitations of sustainability in sport, developing a critical perspective on how the sector can contribute to a broader transformation toward a sustainable future.

Course objectives

• Examine the relationship between sustainability and sport
• Identify key international agreements and goals related to sustainability
• Evaluate the strategies employed by different actors in the sports ecosystem to implement sustainability commitments