Sport & Climate change

• How has sport contributed to climate change



  • people travelling to watch the games
  • athletes travelling to compete
  • energy used to power stadiums (non-renewables)
  • food miles
  • use of water (sprinklers)
  • removal of green spaces for stadiums
• How will sport be impacted?



  • health risk due to increasing temperatures (heatstrokes)
  • flooding - damage to stadiums, stopping events and training, bigger problem for lower league stadiums due to money
  • could ruin pitches (dryout or flooded)
  • increased chances and intensity of storms, leading to match cancellations
• Possible impacts on sport: Football world cup

  • only allows 24 teams to participate - allowing fewer flights
  • played over 20 minutes thirds only
• Possible impacts on sport: Cricket



  • moved to play in indoor stadiums due to climate conditions
  • may be made into a winter sport
• Possible impacts on sport: Snow sports



  • less cities have the correct climate for these events
  • increase chances of cancellations due to rise in temperatures
• Possible impacts on sport: Golf


  • moved from the traditional grass courses to urban landscapes
  • made the game dangerous due to increase frequency of poor weather
• UN Sports for Climate Action Frameworks

  This unites sports on climate chang, giving guidance and allows to share best practices. Helps reduce emissions.

  This is important as sport have large fanbases from all around the world, spreading information and educating about climate change through sport can reach a wide range people.