Climate change has become one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, with widespread effects across all sectors of society. While much of the focus has been on the environmental, economic, and social consequences of climate change, its impact on sports – both professional and amateur – has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Sports, which are deeply embedded in global culture and contribute significantly to the economy, are not immune to the effects of a warming planet.
The health and safety of athletes are increasingly at risk as the planet warms. In many regions, rising temperatures and humidity levels can make it difficult for athletes to regulate their body temperature, leading to heat-related illnesses. Research has shown that higher temperatures and poor air quality significantly impair athletic performance, increase the risk of heat exhaustion, and exacerbate pre-existing health conditions such as asthma.
For endurance sports, the consequences are particularly severe. Studies show that marathon runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes are more likely to suffer from heat-related health issues when competing in hot and humid conditions. Many sports-related organisations are now placing more emphasis on safeguarding athlete health through heat preparedness protocols, including event rescheduling, enhanced medical supervision, and the provision of cooling stations.
Athletes who compete in regions with poor air quality, exacerbated by climate-induced wildfires or pollution, also face long-term health risks. Prolonged exposure to smoke and particulate matter from wildfires, for instance, can lead to respiratory problems and reduced lung capacity, negatively affecting athletes' health and performance.
Against this background, the Research and Transfer Centre “Sustainable Development and Climate Change” of the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, supported by the International Climate Change Information and Research Programme, has created the research project Climate Changes and its Impacts on Sports (CLIM-SPORTS).
The project CLIM-SPORTS will investigate how climate change is affecting sports, with a focus on outdoor sports, the physical health of athletes, and the broader social and economic implications for the sports industry. Understanding these impacts is critical for developing adaptation strategies and ensuring the sustainability of sports in a changing climate.
