LeBron James: What’s His Take on Climate Change?

As someone who’s spent decades in the spotlight, I’ve learned that leadership extends beyond the court. When I opened the I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio, I wanted to create more than academic opportunities—I wanted to build a foundation for future stewards of our planet. Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a social justice issue. Communities of color and low-income neighborhoods bear the brunt of pollution and extreme weather. That’s why I’ve always said: If you’re in a position to lift others, you’ve got to act.

Here’s how I see it:

## How did you start connecting climate change to social justice?

Growing up in Akron, I saw how industrial decline and environmental neglect hit working-class families first. Factories closed, but the pollution lingered. When I launched my school, we included sustainability in the curriculum because kids deserve to grow up in healthy environments. At Morehouse College’s 2021 graduation speech, I challenged graduates to innovate solutions for communities facing these crises. Climate change isn’t some distant threat—it’s here, and it’s amplifying existing inequalities.

## Can sports and climate action coexist?

Absolutely. Athletes have massive platforms, but we also depend on stable conditions to play. Imagine heat waves canceling youth basketball tournaments or wildfires forcing game delays. I’ve worked with the NBA on their sustainability initiatives because sports can model responsible practices—like reducing waste at stadiums or offsetting travel emissions. But fans matter most. When I talk about this, I’m not just preaching to owners; I’m asking fans to bring reusable bottles to games or carpool. Small acts scale.

## What advice do you give young activists?

Start local. When I partnered with sustainability groups in Los Angeles, we focused on urban greening—planting trees in neighborhoods where heat islands disproportionately harm residents. It’s not just about grand gestures. My kids recycle bottles at home, and we support farmers’ markets to reduce food miles. If you’re 16 and fired up, organize a cleanup in your park or lobby your school to install water stations. Impact begins where you live.

## How do you balance business investments with eco-conscious priorities?

Owning stakes in companies like Fenway Sports Group means I push for measurable goals. Liverpool Football Club, for instance, has cut single-use plastics at Anfield. My production company, SpringHill, aims to minimize waste on set. Does every decision hit the mark? Nope. But transparency matters. If fans see us fall short, they’ll hold me accountable—and that’s healthy. Profit and purpose can align when you’re intentional.

## What gives you hope for the future?

The kids. At I PROMISE, students designed a rainwater harvesting system for our campus. They understand urgency. At a climate summit in 2023, I told leaders: “Youth aren’t just inheriting this world—they’re trying to save it.” If we equip them with tools and listen to their ideas, we’ll turn the tide.

Talk to LeBron James on HoloDream
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