The Rapid Transition Alliance estimates that sport contributes 0.8% of global emissions, the equivalent of a medium sized country.
Climate change is already having a significant impact on sport at an elite and community level. Playing surfaces are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Winter flooding renders pitches unplayable with disruption to fixtures, jeopardizing participation and interest.
By 2050, almost a quarter of football league grounds are projected to be partially or completely flooded. Summer temperatures and periods of drought also threaten pitches and courses across a range of different sports.
Higher temperatures and poor air quality during summer months also threaten sporting events at all levels. Athletes are increasingly suffering from heat exhaustion adversely impacting performance and causing detrimental impacts on health and wellbeing.
Sporting schedules are being adjusted to avoid the hottest parts of the day or the year. Extreme heat policies were once prepared for remote possibilities but are now routinely used across a range of sports.
Winter sports are also susceptible to climate change. A report by the Rapid Transition Alliance highlighted that half of previous Winter Olympic and Paralympic cities would be unable to host the Games by 2050 due to the impact of global warming.
From that, Patience Shumbusho and other Climate activists from 121 countries have stepped in through the Eco Arts Initiative, powered by SECOTO International Green FZC, to empower young people to advocate for environmental protection and assist a new, talented generation in Sports and the arts.
Sustainable Environmental Conservation Tournament—SECOTO, a global Platform, promotes a sense of earth stewardship via UN Sports for Climate and stabilizing environmental Clubs into Eco-Sports Clubs as the key to sustainable development and youth empowerment programs in the community.
SECOTO announced at COP28 UAE in December 2023 in Dubai, is centered on four key sports disciplines: Football, Basketball, Volleyball, handball, and entertainment. All work towards the theme of “Engaging Young People in Conservation for Sustainable Development through Sports and Arts.”
With the catchphrase “We Play, We Connect, We Protect,” SECOTO has eight continental mega-sports events in conservation: African Green Cup, Asia Green Cup, European Green Cup, Oceanian Green Cup, American Green Cup, South America Green Cup, and Eco Sports Cup-UAE and World Green Cup.
For more details, visit www.secoto.org, for SECOTO magazine visit www.secoto.com and for Secoto sport fashion, visit www.secotofashion.green
