Sports Players as Climate Leaders

Katherine Hayhoe, my favorite climate scientist, wrote an interesting post this past July on Talking Climate entitled "The Future of Sports Depends on Climate Action." In the article, she references EcoAthletes, founded by Lew Blaustein. Hayhoe interviews two EcoAthletes sport players: Imani Dorsey Kunzweiler and Jasmyne Spencer. They share their insight on the impact on climate change in the world of sports, including time on the field and the health of players both during their games and life on the practice field. 

Just as we have seen already in Europe this summer, climate change is happening around us, a disrupter of daily life--sports included. And sadly, this isn't new just this year. The impacts of the heat index, wildfire smoke, and severe weather affect air quality directly affect training, playing, recovering, creating a need to alter sports schedules and be concerned for the health of players. No one wants to be out there in unhealthy conditions. Heat-exhaustion, dehydration, and safety protocols to contend with high temperatures or poor air quality are all at play.

Professional athletes who train at high levels are one thing. But these same health concerns play out for the college athlete, the adult recreational pickle-baller, the Ultimate Frisbee player, the high school football team, the middle school soccer players, the little leaguers, the kids at recess, the parents watching their kids in the backyard or on the playground...the coaches, fans, dog walkers, bike riders....all of us! 

A hotter day can mean indoor recess rather than outdoor play. Poor air quality can limit running, practices, or field trips. People with respiratory issues can have real health concerns. Flooding and stronger storms can damage fields, courts, and playgrounds. Warmer winters can affect skating, skiing, and other seasonal activities. We all need a safer, healthier environment. 

When professional sports players are speaking out about climate change, it gives stronger voice to the very real problem that exists. For far too long, we have heard far too little about the perils of raising temperature and the warming planet. How refreshing to see these people who rely on clean air as leaders in bringing about climate awareness!

But we can't rely on the superstars alone. Just like no game is won by one person alone. We all need to do what we can to keep ourselves healthy. but likewise, we all need to step up and do what we can to protect where live, work, and play, protecting those spaces and places for each other and the next generation ahead.

Photographs from https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/the-future-of-sports-depends-on-climate, visual quotes created on canva.com using quotes from https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/the-future-of-sports-depends-on-climate