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Climate change and extreme heat are set to have a significant impact on sport events, with nearly 90% of North American stadiums hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup potentially facing dangerous levels of heat. According to new research from Queen’s University Belfast, 14 out of the 16 stadiums in Canada, Mexico, and the United States could reach temperatures above 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) during matches.
The study reveals that temperatures are likely to peak between noon and 5 pm, when games are usually scheduled. Experts suggest that organizers rethink the timing of the games, shifting them to cooler morning or evening hours to protect players and spectators from the intense heat.
Dr. Donal Mullan, a researcher at Queen’s University Belfast, emphasized that “we are getting more extreme heat events, which will continue with the trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions.” Building purpose-built air-conditioned stadiums is not a viable solution, as they would be expensive and give spectators a false sense of security when faced with extreme heat afterwards.
Elite sport is being forced to confront the harsh realities of climate change, according to Dr. Matthew Bell, global climate change and sustainability services leader at EY. “As we look ahead to events like the Brisbane Olympics in 2032, organizers will need to think broadly about the impact not only of rising temperatures but also extreme weather events,” he said.
Dr. Bell stressed that preparing for such events requires a long-term approach, involving years of research and collaboration with governments, environmental organizations, and community groups. This includes developing comprehensive emergency response plans and investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme conditions.
In light of these findings, it is crucial to integrate climate resilience into event planning, according to WSP’s advisory and planning business line leader, Jannet Walker-Ford. “This includes implementing advanced weather monitoring systems and investing in green technologies,” she said.
Dr. Matt Winning, a lecturer at University College London, warned that extreme weather and sports events are a “dangerous mix.” He emphasized the need for major sports events to break ties with corporate sponsors who burn fossil fuels and instead focus on grassroots sports movements that connect people with their local communities.
The expert further highlighted the importance of connecting climate change with sport in our daily lives. He suggested that by making these connections, we can “change minds from the ground up” and inspire a new wave of sustainable sport initiatives.
As the world grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, it is clear that sport events will need to adapt to this reality. It is imperative for organizers to take proactive measures in addressing these challenges and ensuring the safety and sustainability of such events.
Source: http://www.forbes.com
