Sport for 75 joins major business and community groups demanding a strong, science-based emissions reduction target.
Seventy-five prominent Australian athletes have signed an open letter calling on the government to commit to an emissions reduction target of at least 75% below 2005 levels by 2035 – aligning with science and Climate Change Authority-backed targets to help limit warming and protect the sports they love.
The athlete coalition includes household names from across major sport, from Matildas star Alex Chidiac, Fremantle Dockers Captain Alex Pearce, Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Grace Brown and leading netball players Amy Parmenter and Matilda McDonell.
The Sport for 75 campaign joins calls by more than 350 Australian businesses and groups such as Parents for Climate, all demanding stronger climate targets as the government prepares to announce its 2035 emissions reduction commitment in coming weeks.
"In sport, we understand ambitious goals, and understand what it means to achieve them," the athletes write in their open letter. "When it comes to climate, we expect the same from our leaders."
"As an athlete, you learn early that setting ambitious goals is how you unlock your potential," says AFLW star Nicola Barr.
"Australia has world-class renewable energy resources – we're already leading globally in rooftop solar. A 75% target isn't just scientifically necessary, it's absolutely within our reach."
In 2025, extreme weather disruptions impacted the first 5 rounds of the AFL season in every state the sport is played.
"Sport brings communities together, but climate change is threatening that," says Nicola Barr. "We need leaders who will go all in on the solutions. Just like in sport, you don't win by aiming for the middle of the pack."
The 75% target represents the scientific minimum required for Australia to do its fair share in limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The Climate Change Authority's draft advice suggested an indicative 65–75% cut to emissions by 2035, with current state and territory commitments already pointing to reductions of 66-71% by 2035.
The diverse coalition includes Olympic medallists, AFL and Super Netball captains, football internationals, cricket stars and athletes from across swimming, surfing, cycling, rugby and athletics – representing many of the sports Australians love.
"Let's set the goal and go all in. It's good for Australia, and it's good for sport," the athletes conclude.
