Thought Piece: Professional Sport’s Greatest Threat and Biggest Opportunity
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The climate crisis is professional sports greatest challenge but also its greatest opportunity. Sport is responsible for 350 million tonnes of greenhouse gases annually. Stadiums must be upgraded with better insulation, heating controls, and efficient appliances. Renewable energy must be used to power stadiums. Public transport to the stadium must be put on, food options must be considered, water usage reduced, recycling systems and waste management put in place. Sport already positively impacts the world by uniting different cultures and nationalities. It contributes US$8.4 billion in value to society through increased confidence, greater employability, and a reduction in mental health and health-related issues. Sport can make itself invaluable in the upcoming transition through fan engagement. Governments need society to change with them as they move away from fossil fuels. Sport can help promote and showcase renewable technologies like solar panels, electric vehicles, battery storage, and heat pumps. The way in which people consume sport has changed, and sport's connection with its fans can influence the change needed at the scale and pace required. Sport has the opportunity to create social good, influence environmental change, and help society navigate the transition to a net zero economy.
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