Among the diverse areas of action covered at COP29, sport emerged as both a sector requiring transformation and a powerful platform for promoting climate awareness.
Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England, who attended COP29, reiterated that sport and physical activity should play a key role in the global fight against climate change.
Boardman has urged the sector to lead the way, emphasising its immense reach through local sports clubs embedded in every community and the power of its personalities to advocate on a global level.
Net Zero Goals for Sporting Organisations
Sporting organisations globally are aligning with ambitious sustainability targets, inspired by frameworks like the Race to Zero campaign and Sports For Nature.
Federations, leagues and major events are adopting measures to reduce emissions footprints by:
Transitioning to renewable energy for stadiums and training facilities
Promoting greener travel options for players and spectators
Encouraging virtual engagement as an alternative to in-person attendance for smaller events.
High-profile events like the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup are under increasing pressure to demonstrate leadership in emissions reduction.
Building Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
The effects of extreme weather events pose risks to sports venues and athletes and their long-term viability. COP29 highlighted the need for resilience in infrastructure, encouraging stakeholders to design facilities capable of withstanding climate-related impacts.
From improved water management systems to using heat-resistant materials, ensuring the sustainability and safety of sports infrastructure is becoming a priority. This is particularly vital for outdoor sports, where changing weather patterns can disrupt games and tournaments as seen this year with the 2024 Olympic Games.
Promoting Sustainability Through Grassroots Sport
A stand out theme was embedding sustainability education into grassroots sport. Community programmes and local leagues are being recognised as essential platforms for climate education.
Key initiatives include:
Raising awareness about environmental issues among young athletes.
Promoting sustainable habits in everyday training, such as waste reduction and sustainable transport.
Using sport as a tool to foster environmental stewardship, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Explore our information and guidance on how grassroots sports clubs can become more sustainable here.
Adopting Circular Economy Principles at Sporting Events
Sporting events are often significant contributors to waste, but COP29 called for new approaches rooted in the circular economy. Sporting organisations are encouraged to:
Eliminate single-use plastics from venues.
Implement comprehensive recycling systems.
Adopt sustainable materials for merchandise and infrastructure.
Such actions align with wider efforts to reduce waste and promote responsible consumption.
Learn more about our partnership with Kitround, a marketplace dedicated to pre-owned sportswear here. Kitround aims to reduce waste and support community-driven initiatives.
Sport as a Catalyst for Climate Advocacy
Beyond internal changes, sport serves as a highly visible platform for climate advocacy. Athletes, teams, and organisations can engage millions of fans globally, using their reach to amplify climate action messages. COP29 reinforced this role, encouraging leaders in sport to act as champions for sustainability.
Sporting have the chance to set an example, proving that even the most competitive arenas can prioritise environmental stewardship.
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