Football on the frontlines: the unjust burden of the climate crisis on Pacific Island nations

Oceania is a region which contributes little to anthropogenic causes of climate change yet bears many of its most immediate burdens. This can be demonstrated through football in the region as several member associations of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) are threatened by rising sea levels, floods, heat and other climate harms while lacking the organisational capacity to adapt to climate change. Using a climate justice lens to understand this disparity, this study provides a climate impact assessment to the OFC and its member associations. Focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders were used to assess organisational climate capacity with a goal of addressing the climate changed future of football in this region. Findings suggest all member associations are at risk of high heat and coastal flooding while others may face heavy rains and wildfires. Member associations are highly aware of their climate risks but lack many of the organisational resources necessary to adapt. This inherently demonstrates the injustice faced by this region as it is an immediate victim of climate change.