Beth Mead: ‘If we don’t adapt to climate change, football becomes a privilege, not a right‘

The Guardian
The Guardian
30m ago 1 view
Athletes, including Beth Mead, are advocating for climate adaptation in sports, emphasizing its impact on gameplay and communities. They urge global leaders to invest in solutions now.
Beth Mead: ‘If we don’t adapt to climate change, football becomes a privilege, not a right‘
A What happened
Beth Mead, an England footballer, has joined the Adapt2Win campaign, which calls for urgent climate adaptation measures in sports. She reflects on her experiences during the Euro 2025 tournament, where extreme heat affected gameplay and required new protocols for hydration and recovery. Mead emphasizes that climate change is already impacting sports, with matches being canceled due to heatwaves and training sessions adjusted for air quality. The campaign, supported by over 40 athletes, aims to raise awareness about the need for global leaders to invest in adaptation strategies. Mead argues that adaptation is essential for protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring that sports remain accessible to all. She believes that without adaptation, the inclusivity of sports like football is at risk, as extreme weather conditions threaten outdoor play. The call to action coincides with global climate discussions at Cop30 in Brazil, where leaders are urged to prioritize adaptation alongside emission reduction efforts.

Key insights

  • 1

    Climate Change Affects Sports

    Extreme weather is impacting gameplay and athlete safety.

  • 2

    Adaptation is Essential

    Investing in climate adaptation protects vulnerable communities.

  • 3

    Global Campaign Launched

    Adapt2Win unites athletes to advocate for climate action.

Takeaways

The Adapt2Win campaign highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation in sports, emphasizing that without action, the inclusivity and accessibility of sports may be compromised. Athletes are calling for global leaders to prioritize adaptation strategies to protect communities and ensure the future of sports.

Topics

Public Health Climate Change