New calendar likely because of climate change - Coe

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe Signals Major Calendar Overhaul Due to Climate Change

The international sporting calendar, a meticulously crafted schedule that governs everything from Olympic Games to regional championships, could be on the cusp of a significant transformation. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has issued a stark warning: the global calendar of Olympic sports may need to be "re-engineered" to contend with the escalating challenges posed by climate change.

Speaking in a candid interview, Coe, a two-time Olympic gold medalist himself, highlighted the growing impact of extreme weather events on athletic competitions. From sweltering heatwaves forcing the postponement or relocation of events to unpredictable storms disrupting outdoor activities, the signs are undeniable. This isn't a distant threat; it's a present reality that is already impacting athletes, organizers, and fans worldwide. Can we truly continue business as usual when the very environment we rely on for sport is becoming increasingly volatile?

The Unpredictable Arena: Climate Change's Grip on Sport

The evidence is mounting. Marathon runners have collapsed from heatstroke during races held in unseasonably high temperatures. Cyclists have faced treacherous conditions due to torrential rain. Even winter sports are not immune, with dwindling snow cover threatening the viability of traditional competitions. Coe’s concerns are not abstract; they are rooted in the lived experiences of athletes and the logistical nightmares faced by event planners.

"We are seeing more and more events being affected by climate change," Coe stated, as reported by the BBC. He elaborated on the need for a proactive approach, suggesting that simply adapting to the immediate consequences of extreme weather might not be enough. The long-term view, he stressed, requires a fundamental reassessment of how and when sporting events are scheduled.

This sentiment echoes a growing unease within the broader sporting community. For years, the focus has been on optimizing performance, securing sponsorship, and maximizing broadcast rights. But the undeniable force of nature is now demanding a seat at the table, forcing a reckoning with the environmental footprint of global sports and the very feasibility of certain events in their current forms.

Re-engineering the Schedule: What Does it Mean?

What exactly does "re-engineering" the calendar entail? Coe’s remarks suggest a multi-faceted approach. It could mean shifting major events away from regions or seasons known for experiencing extreme heat. It might involve a greater emphasis on indoor facilities or sports less susceptible to weather disruptions. Or, perhaps more radically, it could involve condensing the season or even altering the traditional timing of certain championships to avoid peak climate-related risks.

Consider the recent Tokyo Olympics, where heat was a significant concern, leading to some events being moved to the cooler northern city of Sapporo. While a localized solution, it offered a glimpse into the kind of adaptive strategies that might become more commonplace. But Coe’s vision extends beyond mere adaptation; it points towards a proactive restructuring designed to mitigate future risks.

"We have to be responsible stewards of the planet," Coe emphasized. This is not just about protecting the integrity of athletic competitions; it's about aligning the global sporting apparatus with a broader commitment to environmental sustainability. The message is clear: sport can no longer afford to be a passive observer of climate change. It must become an active participant in finding solutions.

The Athlete's Perspective: Performance and Well-being at Risk

For athletes, the implications are profound. Performance is intrinsically linked to environmental conditions. Extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and a significant drop in performance. Cold and wet conditions can increase the risk of injury. The unpredictability of weather adds another layer of stress to an already demanding profession.

Elite athletes train for years to peak at specific times, often dictated by major championships. If these championships are frequently disrupted or moved due to climate-related issues, it can have a devastating impact on their careers. Imagine the frustration of an athlete who has meticulously planned their training cycle only to have their competition cancelled or rescheduled at short notice due to a hurricane or a heatwave.

The health and safety of athletes must be paramount. As Coe indicated, the current calendar might be pushing the boundaries of what is safe and sustainable for human physiology in increasingly challenging environments. This raises a crucial question: are we inadvertently jeopardizing the well-being of our athletes in the pursuit of a rigid, traditional sporting schedule?

A Global Challenge Requiring Global Cooperation

Addressing climate change’s impact on the sporting calendar is not a challenge that World Athletics can tackle alone. Coe’s call for a "re-engineered" global calendar implies a need for unprecedented cooperation among various international sports federations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), national governing bodies, and even governmental agencies. It will require a willingness to challenge long-held traditions and embrace innovative solutions.

The economic implications are also considerable. Event cancellations or relocations can lead to significant financial losses for host cities and sports organizations. Finding a calendar that is both environmentally responsible and economically viable will be a delicate balancing act. Yet, the cost of inaction, both in terms of environmental degradation and the potential collapse of sporting events, is arguably far greater.

As the world grapples with the multifaceted impacts of a changing climate, the sporting world finds itself at a critical juncture. Sebastian Coe’s pronouncements serve as a powerful reminder that the future of sport, in its current form, may depend on its ability to adapt, innovate, and ultimately, re-engineer its very foundations to align with a sustainable future. The question is no longer if change is needed, but how quickly and effectively it can be implemented.