Is sport at risk because of global warming? – 01/12/2023 – Marina Izidro

This Friday (1) morning, in a huge room at a convention center in Dubai, the name of King Charles III is announced. The monarch takes the stage, watched by hundreds of authorities, and for ten minutes gives the opening speech at COP28, the UN Climate Conference. The king has defended environmental causes for decades and is an expert on the subject. He reminds us that climate change is happening at a much faster pace than nature can handle and ends with the reminder: “Planet Earth does not belong to us, we belong to planet Earth.”

Next, President Lula warns that global warming affects the poorest populations more intensely — from those who live on the outskirts of large cities and suffer from floods to farmers in the northeast who are unable to grow food because of the drought.

Watching on TV, I wonder: is that audience, responsible for decisions that change the course of our lives, paying attention? I’m afraid not.

COP28 is already controversial because it is in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, one of the largest oil producers in the world. At a certain point during the king’s speech, the camera shows Emmanuel Macron, president of France. But Joe Biden and Xi Jiping, leaders of the two biggest polluters on the planet, the United States and China, were not.

Scientists are tired of warning that extreme weather events are more frequent and intense because very little is being done to limit the warming of the planet, caused by the emission of polluting gases from fossil fuels such as coal, and livestock farming. I have already covered two COPs on site, and it is sad to see desperate requests coming from those who live on islands that are disappearing under the sea.

As the planet melts and sinks, political will is lacking and greed abounds.

A column on global warming could be anywhere in this newspaper, as it affects us in everything. Talking about sport, it impacts our outdoor physical activities from a high level.

In October, drivers suffered due to extreme temperatures at the Qatar Formula 1 GP. Esteban Ocon vomited inside his helmet, Alex Albon had to receive medical attention because of the heat, Logan Sargeant abandoned the race due to dehydration, Lance Stroll and George Russell almost lost consciousness. Imagine passing out while driving a car at over 300km/h?

A survey carried out by World Athletics at the World Athletics Championships in August with the 373 participating athletes showed that 75% of them said that their performance and health had worsened as a result of climate change. And 83% were concerned about air pollution.

Global leaders are responsible for big changes, but our habits help too. Avoid using plastic bags in the supermarket; boycott brands that are not environmentally responsible; reduce or stop meat consumption (methane released by cattle is a major contributor to global warming); vote for someone who genuinely cares (be careful with false promises, the famous greenwashing) and will invest in public policies so that you can breathe less polluted air.

In the coming days, we will see if there will be progress at COP28. As I go out for a run in sub-zero temperatures in London, having suffered through the Rio de Janeiro heatwave a few weeks ago, I try not to be too pessimistic in this era of extremes.

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