Praseedha Mathew
Abstract
Climate change is an increasingly critical global issue that profoundly affects various aspects of human life, including sports. The immediate and direct impacts of climate change on sports are evident in the alteration of playing conditions. Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, storms and heavy rainfall, pose serious health risks to athletes. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, while increased humidity exacerbates respiratory issues. Outdoor sports, such as football, marathons, and tennis, are particularly susceptible to these changes. Winter sports face shorter seasons and unreliable snow cover due to rising temperatures, forcing resorts to rely on artificial snowmaking, which is both costly and environmentally detrimental. Thus the paper examines the complex relationship between sports and climate change, outlining the significant implications and proposing strategic responses to address these challenges effectively.