S2:E11. The Influence of The Premier League

Emergency on Planet Sport

How is the self-styled "best league in the world" leading on climate action? In reality, it's a mixed picture with a shortage of league-wide gravitas on the vital issue impacting the very future of the game. The English Premier League, with all its component parts including 20 clubs and over 500 players, is yet to realise the full potential of its global influence; influence far greater than it currently imagines. So while it's undeniably time to collectively up our ambition, the more proactive wing of the league is driving change. Two of the more forward-thinking figures in the league join us on the pod; Southampton Sustainability Manager Caroline Carlin and Brighton's Chief Operating Officer Paul Mullen. Will climate action be part of future licensing requirements? How do clubs react when supporters challenge them on matters of sustainability? And what about that great elephant-in-the-room (sky); internal flights to away games? Once Jonathan has dried off from Chelsea v Arsenal, he joins Melissa to pose these questions and more. It remains a struggle to convince more top-flight players to fight for the planet upon which their sport relies. The danger remains, therefore, that clubs will be reluctant to make the big, sweeping decisions required to make meaningful change. We can but hope. In joining the pod and making the voice of their clubs heard, Caroline and Paul are leading the way on this and hopefully encouraging others to join the mission to make The Premier League realise its enormous influence on the most important topic of all. With thanks to all at Southampton FC and Brighton and Hove Albion FC.

Time Codes:

2.30. Caroline Carlin, Sustainability Manager, Southampton FC, on their journey from Sport Positive relegation zone to multiple award winners!

10.30. Paul Mullen, Chief Operating Officer, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, on league licensing requirements and whether clubs appreciate the influence they have.

17.00. Commentary from Melissa; particularly on shared standards across the clubs. Jonathan asks we're brave and set 'gold standards'.

19.30. There's an elephant in the room. Or, more pertinently, in the skies. Domestic air travel is a live issue and an uncomfortable one for Premier League clubs.

20.00. Paul Mullen on player transport, followed by Caroline Carlin.

25.00. Commentary from Melissa and Jonathan including some ideas we'd love to put to the Premier League! It's a logistical challenge, but as Graham Potter says, something we must be looking at.

31.00. More sustainability initiatives from our south coast Premier League clubs. Caroline Carlin takes us on a tour of the concourse.

33.30. An amazing moment as Caroline reveals how one supporter forced a complete shift in 1st team club policy.

35.00. At Brighton, Paul Mullen talks about the plan to increase solar energy thanks to the roof of the Amex Stadium.

41.00. There is a chain of influence in the Premier League so it's vital those with influential roles step forward. Final word, to Brighton board member Paul Mullen.