[ad_1]
Eliud Kipchoge is a Kenyan long-distance runner who was also the greatest marathon runner. He was one of the 50 Olympians to call for climate action at the COP26 conference in Glasgow Image By MichaelGubi is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
August 2021 Athletics KenyaThe inauguration of the first national athletics bodyTo join World AthleticsAs a signatory of UNCC (United Nations Climate Change) Sports for Climate Action Framework — a collaborative initiative by the UN aimed at reducing carbon emissions associated with the sports industry. This was two months before the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2021 (UNCCC).COP26) in Glasgow.
More than 50 Olympians and Paralympians from around the world have called on world leaders to deliver climate action in a video campaign titled “Dear Leaders of the World.” Among the 50 athletes was Eliud KipchogeKenya’s most famous marathon runner. The video’s release coincided with Scottland’s summit. In the video, athletes called COP26 “the Olympics of Climate Summits.”
While announcing the decision by World Athletics to become a signatory to The Sports for Climate Action Framework, Athletics Kenya President Jack TuweiNotably, Kenya has already seen the devastating effects of the African climate crisis.
He stated that Kenya has a rich tradition of environmental advocacy, including the first Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Kenya. Wangari MaathaiThrough her tree-planting initiatives, she contributed to sustainable growth, democracy, peace, and stability. the Green Belt Movement. In 2017, Kenya banned single-use plastics and was an early signatory. Clean SeasInitiative.
#COP26: Athletes urge world leaders to make changes
Nation representatives are expected to present their plans to meet the climate pledges at the COP26 in Glasglow this year. 2015 Paris Accords. One of the most important pledges was to reduce carbon emissions in order to limit global warming below 2 degrees Celcius.
The sports industry is a multibillion dollar sector that has a wide reach and engages people. Athletes consider it a powerful tool due to its inclusivity and ability to appeal to all cultures. communicating about and addressing climate change.
Faith Ogallo, Kenya’s Martial Arts Star, will be turning 21 in April 2021. argued that athletes should learn from the COVID-19 pandemic and come together, “acting as champions to raise issues around climate change.” She highlighted the need to be mindful of how athletes engage with the environment, particularly regarding the disposal of training materials. She encouraged athletes to unite and advocate for the improvement of the climate.
The UN recognizes the importance of sports messaging and has created the Sport for Climate Action FrameworkThis requires that all sports bodies adhere to five principles. These include taking systematic efforts in order to promote greater environmental responsibility, reducing overall impact on the climate, and advocating for climate action via communication.
The climate crisis and its impact on athletics
The climate crisis is having a significant impact on sports around the world and is causing major concern for athletes and governing bodies.
The Aspen Institute of Sports and Society Program gathered a group of international specialists in September. David GoldblattTim Leiweke is the CEO and developer for the new website. He is an author on sport and environmental issues. Climate Change Pledge ArenaSeattleAmerican Olympic biathlete Susan DunkleeFor the conference, click here Future of Sports: Climate Crisis and the Role of Sports.
Goldblatt said that the sports industry’s output is 5–6 billion US dollars annually and generates more transport emissions than other sectors, creating approximately 0.6–0.8 percent of all global emissions. He urged the global sportingwear industry to reach carbon neutrality by the end of the decade and be more transparent about how much carbon it produces. He asked:
What will it be like to play futbol outdoors in Africa in ten year’s time? It might not be possible.
Climate Change Rally. Photo By Oxfam International is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Dunklee, the Olympic biathlete noted that one of their biggest challenges is fans who travel to see a sport.
How can we convince them to travel by using more sustainable methods? We need to look at long-term ways to keep and grow our fan base while encouraging them to not travel.
The Tokyo Olympics’ 2021 marathon was one of the most recent sporting events to be affected by climate change. It was postponed due to concerns about the impact on the environment. extreme heat. Competitors complained of the brutal conditions in the “hottest ever Games.” Other major sporting events impacted by climate change include the Sochi Winter Olympics, where organizers were forced to use artificial snowTo add to the melting snow at the Olympic venues.
The World Health Organization has predictedHeat stress could be caused by climate change. 38,000 deaths a year between 2030–2050.
Major sports personalities were affected significantly by the heat at their events in 2018. Tennis player Novak Djokovic struggled with the humidityDuring his match in the US Open. Due to the extreme heat, four other players had their match at the US Open called off.
The FIFA World Cup, the world’s largest sporting event, will also be held in Qatar in 2022. It normally takes place in June or July but has been moved from June to July to avoid the extreme heat of the Middle East. However, stadiums will still have to be operational despite the shift from mid-year into the end. air-conditionedTo maintain the stadium and field temperatures at 26 degrees Celcius
Increased heat is also affecting cricket. As far back as 2016, 13 games in the Indian Premier LeagueDue to severe drought, they had to be moved from Maharashtra, an Indian city. Similar to the Indian city of Maharashtra, the 2018 South African city Cape Town was hit by severe drought. worst drought in over 100 yearsDue to low water supplies at most sporting venues, this can lead to reduced events.
Andrew Simms Rapid Transition Alliance, a group of academics and campaigners who are promoting a faster global response to climate change, said, “A first step would be to bring an end to sponsorship from fossil fuel companies and products promoting fossil fuel-intensive lifestyles.” He added:
Millions more will be able to see the potential for change if players speak out and say that clean air and stable climate are important. It will not only send out a message of hope to the rest of the world, but it will also help to ensure that sport is safe on our planet.
Source link
