London's football clubs are under threat
In the next 5 years, football grounds across London will regularly be under water from more frequent extreme weather and rising sea levels. If we let the climate crisis continue unchecked, the future of our beautiful game is at risk.
The map above shows the flooding we will experience in London by 2030. Five of London's great football stadiums stand to be severely impacted: Fulham, Chelsea, West Ham, Millwall and Charlton. All of these clubs will experience cancelled games, waterlogged pitches, structural damage and possibly long-term closures as they face the harsh reality of climate change.
And it's not just London based clubs at stake. Rapid Transition Alliance estimates that 25% of English league football grounds will be at risk from flooding every season by 2050.
Making the threat real
Despite the threat, not enough is being done to stop it. Most of us are concerned about climate change but the danger is too unimaginable for us to take action.
Using AI to manipulate photos, Football in the Flood brings the devastated future of London’s clubs to life. Now you don’t need to imagine what it will look like.
1
Fulham
Craven Cottage, home to Fulham F.C., has stood proudly on the banks of the Thames for nearly 130 years. It’s a place where generations of fans have celebrated the club’s rich traditions and where plans for redevelopment aim to secure its future as a modern football hub. But the climate crisis jeopardizes Fulham's future.
2
Chelsea
Stamford Bridge has been Chelsea’s home since the club’s inception in 1905, making it one of football’s most storied grounds. Over a century's worth of heritage and excellence now lives within the stadiums walls. Yet its legacy faces an uncertain future. Given its location close to the Thames, Stamford Bridge is incredibly vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis.
3
West Ham
West Ham United’s iconic London Stadium has become a symbol of the club’s modern era, a home filled with the passion and pride of the Hammers. Since their move from the historic Boleyn Ground in 2016, it has played host to unforgettable moments and a community spirit that defines the club. However, the stadium’s location in Stratford, near waterways like the River Lea, places it at significant risk.
We can save them
Football is an important part of British culture, loved by millions, and needs to be protected for future generations. To save them, we need football fans in London and beyond to stand up and take action. Whatever team you support, you can make a difference. And we're here to help you do it.
Help protect our clubs
Here are some of the most impactful things you can do.
Talk to your club
As fans, we have the power to influence the decisions our clubs make. We can encourage their leaders to reduce their impact on the climate and increase their support for a more sustainable future. This article from Football for Future lists some great questions to ask your club and guidance on how to be part of the conversation.
Email your MP
Local government plays an important role in supporting the wellbeing of our communities, which includes protecting culture and infrastructure. Ask your MP to make the climate a priority and protect our clubs by writing to them. Use this template by Hubbub.
Move your money
Greening our pensions cuts our carbon footprint 21x more than going veggie, giving up flying and switching energy providers. So if you want to make a difference quickly, do this. Find out how green your pension provider is and plan your switch at Make My Money Matter.