| Greater Manchester Moving

A key GM Moving priority is to play our full part to limit and respond to ecological breakdown. Reducing carbon-emissions, increasing biodiversity and being good guardians of Greater Manchester (GM) for future generations.

Since 2017, a series of reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have highlighted the pace of environmental breakdown and the scale of action needed. As a result, Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership (NHS GM), the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and GM Councils have declared a Climate Emergency.

The need for GM Moving to help limit the impacts of climate change is more urgent than ever.

As a movement, we have a key role to play in tackling the climate crisis in ways that support both climate justice and social justice — now and for future generations.

We know that the adverse impact of climate change has a greater effect on people who experience other disadvantages. We are also experiencing the effects of flooding and intense heat on reducing activity levels.

So, aligning the work to address inequalities in participation and tackle climate change is very important.

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In July 2024, Sport England launched Every Move – a new sustainability strategy and action plan. It’s designed to lead, inspire and support the sport and physical activity sector to reduce its environmental impact, while creating more opportunities for everyone to be active.

The priority themes of the strategy, and the work for the sector as a whole include:

Just transition: inequalities, inclusion and participation

Carbon emissions: travel and facilities

Circular economy: supply chains, products and waste

Blue-green environment quality and use

Biodiversity

Adapting to climate change and extreme weather events

Sport England are investing in resources and support for the sector to take their first steps on the journey towards environmental sustainability. We need to take action to address the effects of climate change and the impact of this on the environment of the activities we enjoy.

Resources include:

Buddle - to support sports clubs and organisations to be planet-friendly and last the distance
Movement Fund – 10% of the fund, £16million has been ringfenced for projects that support environmental sustainability and increase participation. You can see the guidance for this element of the fund.

The 2025–35 Greater Manchester Strategy, Together We are Greater Manchester, commits to tackling climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. It focuses on protecting nature and biodiversity, improving access to greenspaces, making movement of people, goods, and services greener, and supporting energy-efficient homes. Planning, transport, business, leisure, and communities all play important roles in driving this work forward.

Learn more about sustainability in physical activity

Sport England – Every Move Strategy
Sport England’s national sustainability strategy and action plan, outlining how the sector can reduce its environmental impact and create a more sustainable future for sport and physical activity.
Read the strategy

Watch: Every Move Video
An introduction to Every Move, explaining the importance of environmental sustainability and how everyone can contribute.
Watch the video

Movement Fund – Green Investment Guidance
Guidance and resources for organisations applying to the Movement Fund, with a focus on supporting environmentally sustainable activity.
View guidance and resources

GM Moving – Our sustainability plan
See how sustainability is being integrated into our approach of encouraging active lives.
The GM Moving sustainability plan

BASIS – British Association for Sustainable Sport
A resource hub offering advice, case studies, and tools to support sustainability in sport.
Visit BASIS

Sustainability projects in Greater Manchester

In Our Nature Mcr

A Manchester based initiative supporting community-led action on climate change, partners include Manchester Climate Change Agency, amity CIC, Tyndall Centre, Hubbub, Groundwork GM and Manchester City Council.

Find out more here