Uniting the World of Sports against Climate Change: A Rallying Cry from Africa

The global passion for sports is undeniable. From the bustling football arenas in Europe and North America to the lively soccer pitches in Africa, the thrill and excitement that come with every game is a universal feeling. But what happens when our beloved sports come under threat from the relentless grip of climate change? Can sports be the catalyst that mobilizes the world to act? Can Africa lead this charge, given its vulnerability to climate change and its vibrant sporting culture?

A Universal Problem, A Universal Passion

It's an alarming fact that sporting activities globally emit as much greenhouse gases as a medium-sized nation. From powering up large stadiums, to fans and athletes crisscrossing continents, to the colossal waste generated at these venues; the carbon footprint is staggering. But herein lies a unique opportunity. If sports could contribute to the problem, they can surely be part of the solution.

Take, for instance, Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena. Not only does it employ rainwater to create its hockey rink, but it also sources three-quarters of its food supplies from local farms, ensuring both sustainability and support for local communities.

Not far off in Minneapolis, U.S. Bank Stadium, home to the Vikings, has adopted ingenious ways to manage waste. During the Super Bowl LII, an astounding 91% of the waste generated by tens of thousands of fans was either composted or recycled.

In Africa, where sports, especially football, is deeply rooted in the culture, the opportunities are vast. Imagine the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt transitioning to solar energy, or South Africa's iconic Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg adopting rainwater harvesting techniques. Such changes not only combat climate change but also inspire millions of fans who frequent these venues.

The Wake-up Call

The stakes are higher than ever. From the repeated flood threats faced by football grounds in England and the EU to golf courses from Australia to the U.S. being submerged, the very arenas we cherish are at risk. Who could forget the distressing scenes at the 2020 Australian Open, where poor air quality from bushfires imperiled players' health?

Africa, too, isn't untouched. Rising temperatures have had profound impacts on marathons and other athletic events, often causing severe health risks to participants. The continent, which is already grappling with the severe impacts of climate change in the form of droughts, famines, and floods, cannot afford this added assault on its cherished sporting events.

Mobilizing for Change

Amidst this, the most heartening thing is that the global sports community isn't sitting idle. The Reading Football Club's uniforms, embellished with Warming Stripes, and the German team TSG Offenheim's "climate tickets" to support sustainable land projects in Uganda, highlight how sports entities are leveraging their vast reach for climate advocacy.

Players Taking a Stand

Players themselves are becoming advocates. Former NFL player Garry Gilliam, Brent Suter, a pitcher, and Pakistani soccer player Karishma Ali, among others, are championing climate causes.

Africa, with its wealth of influential sports figures, could capitalize on this trend. Picture Didier Drogba, Jay Jay OKocha or Samuel Eto’o speaking out about the environment and sustainability – their words would resonate with millions across the continent.

Engaging the Fan Base

Fans are an essential piece of the puzzle. For fans, the next time you're in a packed stadium, whether it's watching the Super Eagles in Nigeria, the Black Stars in Ghana, the Harambe Stars of Kenya or the indomitable Lions of Cameroon, strike up a conversation about the warmer seasons or the changing patterns of the game due to climate shifts. Delve into solutions, from supporting solar initiatives to joining a local climate group or simply making sustainable choices in daily life.

In Europe, TSG Offenheim sells “climate tickets” supporting sustainable land initiatives in Uganda. This idea could be adopted and expanded in African leagues. Imagine if, for every ticket sold at an Al Ahly game, a portion went to tree planting initiatives in the Sahara to combat desertification.

African sports fans are among the most passionate. Harnessing this passion towards a noble cause like fighting climate change could yield tremendous results.

Your Role in this Game

If you're a sports enthusiast, whether in Africa or elsewhere, it's time to talk about climate change in your circles. When seated in a stadium filled with thousands, use the shared love for the sport as an entry point. Discuss how fluctuating weather patterns affect the games and players. Dive into solutions, from the grand acts of clubs and players to personal choices, like supporting eco-friendly initiatives or reducing waste.

Moving Forward

Sports and climate change might seem worlds apart, but they’re intrinsically connected. As we cheer on our favorite teams and players, let’s remember the bigger picture and play our part. Let's not just be passive spectators; it's time to get in the game. From every stadium in Africa to every sports enthusiast, let's make our move count against climate change. After all, the world is our playground, and we must protect it.