In this article, the author, Isabel Schatzschneider, discusses the impact of major sporting events on the environment and the urgent need for the sports industry to take responsibility for its carbon footprint. She highlights the massive amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by events like the Super Bowl, F1 races, and the upcoming Euros and Paris Olympics. While some efforts are being made by sports organizations to go green, such as pledges to make events more sustainable, the scale of emissions produced by these events far outweighs these efforts. She calls for global legislation to regulate and control the carbon footprints of sporting events in order to address the urgent climate crisis.
Schatzschneider emphasizes the need for world leaders to take radical action and impose carbon emission quotas on major sports events. This would involve rationing air miles for fans and teams, setting emission caps for organizers and stadiums, and promoting sustainable innovations for stadiums and transportation. While there may be initial resistance from fans who view these events as essential, she argues that measures to ration transport and emissions are crucial in safeguarding the planet for future generations to enjoy sports responsibly. By branding this change as “eco-conscious participation,” the sports industry has the potential to make significant sustainability changes in line with global climate goals.
The author points out that while individual efforts to guilt people into leading the drive for sustainability have proven ineffective, legislation and regulations are needed to effectively reduce the carbon footprint of major sporting events. By implementing fixed carbon emission quotas and warning the public about the carbon footprints of sports events in a similar manner to health warnings on cigarette packets, the sports industry can encourage responsible travel practices. This approach would not only help mitigate the environmental impact of sports events but also drive innovation and promote sustainable practices within the industry.
Schatzschneider stresses the importance of creating a sustainable future where the thrill of sports and the health of the planet can coexist. She references the UAE Consensus signed by 197 countries at the COP summit as a guide for global climate action and emphasizes the need for honesty and transparency about the costs and trade-offs involved in achieving climate goals. While transforming the sporting industry to be more eco-conscious may present challenges, the long-term goal is to align the industry with global climate goals and ensure that sporting events are conducted in a sustainable manner. By taking proactive steps to regulate carbon emissions and promote eco-conscious participation, the sports industry can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and protecting the planet for future generations.
In conclusion, the author calls for immediate action to address the environmental impact of major sporting events. She advocates for the implementation of legislation to regulate carbon emissions and promote sustainability in the sports industry, emphasizing the need for transparency, responsibility, and global cooperation in achieving climate goals. By making eco-conscious participation a priority and working towards a more sustainable future, the sports industry can contribute to the fight against climate change and ensure that sports events can continue to be enjoyed responsibly for years to come.
