With COP28 commencing on 30 November, discussions around the impact of climate change upon sport have once again become prevalent. Conversations around the sustainability of sport and the issues facing the industry are now fundamental in the planning and execution of events.
Questions remain as to how can we mitigate the effects of increasing extreme weather events and continue to hold major sporting events in a sustainable manner?
The panel talk about the increasing number of sports events affected by climate change, including the negative impacts of these changes such as the physical effects upon athletes, spectators, coaches and officials.
The fact that policies must be established to support the continuation of sporting events while also adhering to sustainable practices is also touched upon.
Also high on the agenda is how research within the sustainability sector indicates that major sporting events are becoming increasingly impacted by extreme weather and structural issues within sports facilities. These obstacles are exemplified across the Loughborough Campus, as Elliott explains how operations are being adapted to account for the environmental changes in our surroundings.
Guests also talk about the important of having dialogue around the sustainability of sports facilities and fixtures and how these should be effectively utilised in influencing the actions of NGBs, sports clubs and individuals to improve the state of our environment and increase longevity within the sporting industry.
Dr Russ Seymour is a Senior Enterprise Fellow for the Institute of Sport Business at Loughborough London, as well as chairing the British Association for Sustainable Sport.
The British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS), chaired by Russell, assists in informing sports clubs, venues and governing bodies in improving their sustainability impact and performance.
Elliott Brown currently works as Sustainability Project Manager at Loughborough University, having previously studied a Masters in Climate Change Policy and Politics at the University.
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The Experts in Sport podcast is a regular series that brings together experts from across Loughborough University with external thought leaders to discuss the latest research and hot topics in sport and academia with new episodes launched regularly.