How Climate Extremes Are Changing the World of Sports
As the climate crisis intensifies, its impacts are being felt across all sectors, including the world of sports. From baseball to skiing, sports are facing unprecedented challenges due to extreme weather conditions, prompting new adaptations and sustainability efforts. Here’s a look at how climate change is reshaping sports.
Rising Temperatures: A New Opponent for Athletes
The last decade has been the warmest on record, pushing sports to adapt to new extremes. Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, the environmental science and sustainability advisor for the New York Yankees, emphasizes the urgency: “Children are not going to be able to play baseball outside; people are not going to be able to play tennis outside. Something's got to give.”
Heatwaves pose a significant threat, causing more frequent and severe weather disruptions. Madeleine Orr, a sports ecologist and author of "Warming Up: How Climate Change is Changing Sport," highlights how rising temperatures fuel weather disasters that impact sports, from thunderstorms causing rain delays to hurricanes swamping ballparks and wildfires postponing games.
Adaptation Strategies in Sports
Baseball: To combat rising temperatures, some stadiums are incorporating roofs to provide shade and reduce heat exposure for fans and players. However, adaptations like these only go so far.
Tennis: The U.S. Open has implemented rest periods to help players cope with extreme heat, while the 2019 World Championship marathon in Qatar was held at midnight to avoid unsafe temperatures.
Winter Sports: Warmer winters have drastically affected sports like cross-country skiing. Olympian Gus Schumacher describes how unreliable snow cover has shortened seasons and forced reliance on artificial snow. This year’s American Birkebeiner in Wisconsin was reduced to a manmade loop due to a lack of natural snow.
Proactive Measures by Sports Organizations
The New York Yankees have taken significant steps to mitigate their environmental impact. They became the first North American pro team to sign a United Nations pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Yankees have implemented various eco-friendly measures, including:
- Energy Efficiency: Utilizing LED lights that reduce lighting emissions by 60%.
- Sustainable Construction: Constructing parts of Yankee Stadium in a manner that minimizes the need for air conditioning.
- Waste Reduction: Implementing recycling and composting programs and donating packaged food to shelters after games.
Doug Behar, the Yankees' Senior Vice President of Stadium Operations, notes that while many of these efforts are not visible to fans, they significantly reduce the stadium’s carbon footprint.
The Role of Sports in Promoting Environmental Awareness
Sports organizations and athletes have a unique influence on public perception. Allen Hershkowitz argues that athletes can play a crucial role in promoting environmental literacy, leveraging their status as influential role models. He notes that while less than 20% of Americans regularly follow science, over 80% follow sports, making athletes ideal ambassadors for environmental causes.
Conclusion
As climate change continues to alter the landscape of sports, adaptation and mitigation efforts are becoming increasingly essential. From enhancing stadium infrastructure to promoting sustainability, sports organizations are stepping up to meet these challenges. The influence of sports extends beyond the field, offering a powerful platform to advocate for climate action and environmental stewardship.
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