In a video backed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a panel of more than 50 Olympic and Paralympic athletes called on world leaders to speak out on climate action during the COP26 summit in Glasgow. Athletes, including Kenyan marathon star Erud Kipchoge and retired Spanish basketball legend Paul Gasol, have warned of the impact of climate change on sport and the threat it poses to their future.
The IOC-backed video includes information from more than 50 Olympians and Paralympic athletes.
The video, initiated by British double Olympic sailing champion Hannah Mills and Olympic rower Melissa Wilson, was released at the time of the COP26 summit in Scottish cities, considered one of the most important climate change conferences ever held. They called COP26 the "Olympics of climate summits." Leaders are expected to outline their commitment to climate change at the event, which will continue until November 12.
The athletes said in the video: "The people of Tokyo and Japan did it, and a lot of people thought it was impossible at the time. Each Olympic Games seeks to deliver an enduring legacy. But without a safe and healthy planet to experience, how can we pass on this legacy? High temperatures, humidity and extreme weather conditions mean that many of our movements are already under threat. And sport is only part of the broader global picture. We did our best this summer, and we know that when we try to be the best we can, others will follow us. Now, your chance has come. ”
Mills launched the Big Plastic Bag Pledge in 2019, an athlete-driven initiative to eliminate the use of single-use plastics inside and outside the sport.
Mills claimed that athletes "count on world leaders to accelerate climate action on COP26."" The athlete in the video adds: "This is the race we need to win, and the pace of the race is determined by each contestant. At COP26, the Olympic Games of the Climate Summit, we need you to lead us. Show true ambition and courage. Work together to secure a future on which we all depend. Nothing less can win this game. Over the next two weeks, we will look forward to and support you in building the ultimate legacy: a healthy, safe planet for all. ”
IOC President Thomas Bach last week called on governments to strengthen cooperation to tackle climate change, warning that the world is "in a race against time and no one can win alone". The IOC has pledged to reduce its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. Its action plans include reducing emissions in the areas of travel, energy use and procurement.
Last March, the IOC made a decision to make the Olympic atmosphere positive. From 2030 onwards, each country or region of the Organising Committee will be contractually obliged to minimize and compensate for its direct and indirect carbon emissions and to implement durable zero-carbon solutions for the Olympic Games and beyond. All upcoming Olympics are committed to being carbon neutral, and the goal for Paris 2024 is to be the first Olympic Games to have a positive impact on the climate by the 2030 deadline.
"The IOC is excited to support this initiative and help Olympic athletes use their powerful voices to create a more sustainable future for everyone." "Climate change is one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced, and the IOC is proud to lead the Olympic Movement in addressing this crisis," Bach said. Our recent commitment to reduce our carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 is part of our support for this initiative. Sport has the power to make the world a better place, and today we have the opportunity to harness that power to combat climate change. ”