CLIMATE TRANSFORMATION AREA
In accordance with the Paris Climate Accords, the increase in the global average temperature is to be limited to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). In order to achieve this target, greenhouse gas emissions must be significantly reduced and climate adaptation measures must be implemented in sport, taking clean and affordable energy into account. The German government has set a target of greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045 – a 65 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 (compared to 1990). The European Green Deal and the EU climate target1 support these targets. For event organisers, this means aligning their sustainability services with these specific guidelines.
PRINCIPLES
A drastic reduction in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions is also necessary in the context of sporting events in order to curb global warming.
Sporting events can contribute to the energy transition in Germany. This is based on the increased expansion of renewable energies, more efficient energy utilisation and the reduction of energy consumption.
Sporting events can contribute to the mobility and transport transition, e.g. by strengthening public transport, using alternative drive systems, implementing sustainable mobility concepts and providing experiences of climate-friendly mobility options.
Saving energy and using energy and materials more efficiently are crucial to achieving climate protection targets. At the same time, these measures help to reduce the costs of sporting events.
Decarbonisation, i.e. the reduction of CO2 emissions, requires targeted measures in the areas of mobility, buildings and infrastructure. This includes promoting public transport, electromobility and innovative technologies. In addition, an increased renovation rate of buildings and feasible ways to decarbonise event venues are required.
LINKED ACTION AREAS
The Climate transformation area at sporting events is primarily associated with measures from the following action areas:
(1) The European Green Deal (EGD) is a political project of the European Commission that was adopted in 2019. The aim of the package of measures is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by 55 percent by 2030. The EGD should lead to sustainable growth and combine social, ecological and economic aspects (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, n.d.).