Boxing and Climate Action: A Call to Embrace Sustainability in Sport
Boxing, traditionally seen as disconnected from climate change, significantly impacts the environment through large events that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Prominent athletes advocate for sustainability, yet the boxing community has not fully engaged in climate advocacy. Initiatives like Swissnex’s Climate Ring demonstrate the potential for boxing events to highlight climate issues, calling for increased involvement from boxers and stakeholders to effect meaningful change.
Climate change has often been perceived as a distant issue, with many struggling to relate its impacts to current events. The question arises: how does boxing, a sport defined by physical exchanges, contribute to climate change? The European Union’s European Climate Pact illustrates a nuanced relationship between sports and climate; while sporting activities are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, extreme weather events resulting from climate change adversely affect sports competitions and athlete well-being. Large sporting events, such as the recent boxing showdown between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, draw massive crowds, contributing substantially to carbon emissions. With attendance exceeding 95,000, the carbon footprints were considerable, calculated based on each participant’s travel, energy use, and waste generation. Research indicates that each individual can produce approximately 14 kg (30 lbs) of CO2 per day during such events, which cumulatively impacts atmospheric CO2 levels. Urša Kragelj, a former Slovenian Climate Pact Ambassador and Olympic athlete, calls upon peers to actively engage in climate advocacy. “Firstly, advocate for an issue that is dear to your heart. Talk to your institutions and organizations and try to make a change, such as reducing waste at events,” she asserts. While prominent boxers have yet to champion climate action explicitly, many athletes across various disciplines are leveraging their platforms to spotlight environmental issues. For instance, Lewis Pugh, an acclaimed long-distance swimmer and UN’s Patron of the Oceans, has conducted swims in environmentally vulnerable areas to raise awareness about climate impacts. Initiatives such as Swissnex for the Planet are commencing action, exemplified by their Climate Ring event—a pop-up boxing arena created to engage various stakeholders in discussing climate issues. From September 25 to 27, over 75 international speakers participated in the event in New York’s East Village, addressing climate change from multiple perspectives. Benjamin Bollmann, CEO of Swissnex, noted, “We were inspired by the metaphor of boxing because it represents many of the same qualities we need to take on climate change: persistence and resilience in the face of setbacks, and the ability to adapt under pressure. We decided to host our events in a real boxing ring to represent that fighting spirit.” The issue prompts a vital discussion: as various sectors begin addressing their contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, it is imperative that the boxing community—including boxers, promoters, and sponsors—engage in climate action. By advocating for sustainable practices, boxing can significantly lessen its environmental impact and contribute positively to global climate efforts.
The relationship between sports and climate change is complex—while sports contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, they are also adversely affected by climate change, particularly due to extreme weather. Major events like boxing matches attract thousands of fans, leading to substantial carbon footprints due to travel and waste. Various athletes are increasingly taking on advocacy roles, emphasizing the need for collective action within the sports community to address climate challenges. Recent initiatives have begun to merge sports with climate advocacy, highlighting the potential for boxing to serve as a platform for change.
The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated. It is crucial for all sectors, including sports, to reduce their environmental impact. The boxing community must unite to leverage its influence, encouraging athletes, promoters, and sponsors to advocate for sustainability and climate action. By doing so, boxing can make a meaningful contribution to global climate efforts and ensure the health and safety of its athletes.
Original Source: www.si.com
