Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing global challenges that we are facing in the 21st century. The scientific community overwhelmingly agrees that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are causing a rapid increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and associated changes in the climate system.
The effects of climate change are already being felt around the world, with rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and wildfires, and rising sea levels threatening coastal communities. These changes are causing economic, social, and environmental disruptions that are likely to increase in severity and frequency in the coming years.
The crisis of climate change is not just an environmental problem; it is also a social and economic issue. Climate change exacerbates poverty and inequality, particularly in developing countries that are more vulnerable to its impacts. It also poses significant risks to global food security, water resources, and public health.
Links to Useful Resources, Research and Blogs to help understand the impact of Climate Change on Grassroots Football and Wider Society
United Nations Football for the Goals Initiative
https://www.un.org/FootballForTheGoals
The Met Office, Official Blog The Beautiful Game in a Changing Climate
https://blog.metoffice.gov.uk/2023/02/08/the-beautiful-game-in-a-changing-climate/
Football’s Fight to Stay Afloat, Phillip Hawkes, BBC Sport
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/extra/16x9wuq4hs/Football-fight-to-stay-afloat
Leslie Mabon, School of Engineering and Innovation, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK, Football and climate change: what do we know, and what is needed for an evidence-informed response? https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14693062.2022.2147895#abstract
Sky Sports, Future of Football Climate & Sustainability
https://www.skysports.com/football/story-telling/11095/12928691/future-of-football-climate-sustainability
Football and Climate Change Newsletter
https://footballandclimatechange.substack.com/
Ivan Liburd, Bridging the gap between inequalities and sustainability in grassroots football https://footballandclimatechange.substack.com/p/bridging-the-gap
World Economic Forum, Here are 5 ways that climate change is affecting sports around the world, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/08/climate-change-sports-impact/