COP31 and the future of global sport

The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, scheduled to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026, will bring world leaders, climate experts and policymakers together to discuss the growing climate crisis and ways to accelerate global action. The conference comes at a time when rising temperatures, extreme weather and changing seasonal patterns are affecting several sectors, including sport. From heat-related risks for athletes to declining snowfall in winter sports destinations, climate change is increasingly challenging the way sporting events are organised and conducted. COP31 offers an important opportunity to address these concerns and explore how the global sports industry can adapt to a changing climate while reducing its environmental footprint.
At COP31, world leaders, climate experts and representatives of different sectors will discuss ways to address global warming, strengthen climate resilience and accelerate action. Sport deserves a place in these discussions because it is both affected by climate change and contributes to environmental pressure. The official conference agenda focuses on climate action, adaptation and implementation.
The impact of climate change on sport is becoming increasingly visible. Extreme heat makes outdoor competitions more difficult and increases health risks for athletes and spectators. Heavy rainfall can damage playing fields and disrupt tournaments. Floods and storms threaten stadiums, training facilities and transport networks. Winter sports face another serious challenge. Warmer temperatures and unreliable snowfall are shortening skiing seasons in several mountain regions.
These challenges also affect local economies. Winter destinations depend on snowfall to attract tourists and support businesses. When snow becomes unreliable, hotels, transport operators, guides and other workers face uncertainty. The problem is particularly relevant to mountain destinations such as Gulmarg in Kashmir, where winter tourism and skiing depend heavily on suitable weather conditions. Climate adaptation must therefore become part of long-term sports and tourism planning.
Sport also has an environmental footprint of its own. International tournaments involve extensive travel by athletes, officials and spectators. Stadiums consume electricity and water, while events generate waste and require large amounts of infrastructure. The growing scale of global competitions makes it essential to examine how they are organised. Better public transport, renewable energy, waste reduction, water conservation and environmentally responsible venue construction can help reduce their impact.
COP31 should encourage governments and sporting bodies to move beyond general commitments. Climate plans for major events must include measurable targets. Organisers should assess emissions from travel, energy use, construction and waste. They should also prepare for extreme weather through heat-management plans, emergency arrangements and climate-resilient facilities. Environmental standards should be applied throughout the planning and hosting of competitions.
International sports federations, national associations and local authorities all have a role to play. They can promote cleaner transport, encourage reusable materials and improve energy efficiency at sports facilities. Schools and community clubs can contribute by combining physical activity with environmental education. Young athletes should learn that protecting nature is part of protecting the future of sport.
Climate action must also remain fair and practical. Smaller clubs and developing countries may lack the resources available to wealthy leagues and major tournament organisers. Financial and technical support will be necessary to help them adopt greener practices and protect their facilities against climate risks.
COP31 cannot solve every environmental challenge facing sport. However, it can help strengthen cooperation between governments, climate experts and sporting organisations. The goal should be clear: sport must become more resilient to climate change while reducing its own environmental impact. Protecting the planet is not separate from protecting sport. It is essential to ensuring that future generations can continue to play, compete and enjoy it.