The Paris Olympics are aiming high with a goal to generate less than half the greenhouse gas emissions of the last two summer games. This effort is not isolated to the Olympics but is part of a broader trend across the sports world, as climate change becomes a formidable opponent. A recent video by PBS NewsHour talked about this, so let’s see what they had to say.
The Changing Game
Jeffrey Brown of PBS NewsHour reports that climate change is impacting sports at every level. From the crack of the bat at Yankee Stadium to the icy trails of cross-country skiing, the effects of a warming planet are becoming more pronounced. Allen Hershkowitz, the environmental science and sustainability advisor for the New York Yankees, underscores the urgency, noting that rising temperatures might soon make it impossible for children to play outdoor sports like baseball and tennis.
The Heat is On
The last decade has seen the warmest years on record, pushing global temperatures into uncharted territory and sports to their limits. Madeleine Orr, a sports ecologist and author of “Warming Up: How Climate Change is Changing Sport,” points out that heat is the top concern for sport scientists. Extreme weather events like powerful thunderstorms, hurricanes, and wildfires are causing significant disruptions, from rain delays to game postponements.
Adaptation Strategies
Sports organizations are trying to adapt. At the U.S. Open, rest periods have been implemented to help players cope with extreme heat. In 2019, the world championship marathon in Qatar was held at midnight to avoid dangerous temperatures. In baseball, stadiums are increasingly being built with roofs to shield fans and players from the elements.
Winter Sports Under Threat
Winter sports are facing their own set of challenges. Gus Schumacher, an Olympian cross-country skier, is acutely aware of how climate change is shortening and destabilizing winter seasons. He recounts how the American Birkebeiner race in northern Wisconsin had to be run on a loop of artificial snow due to a lack of natural snowfall. Schumacher’s experience has led him to advocate for climate action on Capitol Hill.
Sustainable Stadiums
Back at Yankee Stadium, Doug Behar, the Senior Vice President of Stadium Operations, showcases the Yankees’ efforts to mitigate climate change. From eco-friendly construction that eliminates the need for air conditioning to energy-efficient cooling systems and comprehensive recycling programs, the Yankees are making strides in reducing their environmental footprint.
Invisible Efforts
Hershkowitz notes that much of the Yankees’ environmental work goes unseen by fans. For example, the stadium’s LED lights reduce lighting emissions by 60%, yet fans are more likely to notice the performance on the field than the sustainability initiatives behind the scenes.
The Influence of Sports
Hershkowitz also highlights the influential role of sports and athletes in promoting environmental literacy. With over 80% of Americans regularly following sports, compared to less than 20% who follow science, athletes have a unique platform to advocate for climate action. If athletes can endorse products and brands, they can also champion sustainability.
The Bigger Picture
The broader message is clear: sports can play a pivotal role in addressing climate change. The initiatives taken by teams like the Yankees are a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done. As Behar states, the Yankees are committed to staying ahead of the curve and leading by example, both on and off the field.
A Call to Action
The efforts of the Paris Olympics, the Yankees, and other sports organizations highlight the urgent need for collective action against climate change. As sports continue to face the impacts of a warming planet, the call to reduce emissions and adopt sustainable practices grows louder. The question remains: will the world of sports rise to the challenge?
Inspiring Other Sectors
What do you think? How can sports organizations balance the need for immediate adaptation to climate impacts with long-term sustainability goals? What role can fans play in supporting and advocating for sustainable practices within their favorite sports teams and events? How might the sports industry inspire other sectors to take more aggressive action against climate change?
Find out more by watching the full video on PBS NewsHour’s YouTube channel here.