Global warming is placing our planet and future generations at risk. Meeting the scale of the challenge requires action by all sectors, including the sport sector to achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Around the world, governments, cities and businesses are taking bold climate action, leading the way towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
What is being done by the sports sector?
Beginning in December 2018 at COP24, the sports sector and UN Climate change launched the 'Sports for Climate Action' framework to gather sports organisations, teams, athletes and fans in a concerted effort to raise awareness and action to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. This movement seeks to harness the immense influence of the sports world to tackle climate change head-on and inspire global citizens to take meaningful action.
The objectives
The Framework has two overarching objectives: achieving a clear trajectory for the global sports community to combat climate change, and using sports as a unifying tool to drive climate awareness and action among global citizens.
The targets
Signatories of Sports for Climate Action have established climate action on the agenda of the sports industry, marking a paradigm shift.
As part of this commitment, and five years after the framework's launch, organisations are now urged to commit to halving emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2040. This places the sports industry at the forefront of global climate action, emphasising the urgent need for deep and fast emission reductions.
To ensure accountability and transparency, all signatories are required to follow a strategic process. They start by pledging their commitment at the organisational level, followed by outlining plans within 12 months on how they will achieve interim targets. Immediate action towards climate goals is crucial, and annual public reporting is mandatory for maintaining signatory status.
By adopting these targets, sports organisations officially join the Race to Zero, a global campaign rallying leadership and support from various sectors for a resilient, zero-carbon recovery. This move not only prevents future threats but also creates jobs, unlocks sustainable growth and positions the sports industry as a beacon of climate action for generations to come.
As the world turns its attention to the playing field, the Sports for Climate Action initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient future where sports not only entertain but also inspire positive global change.
