1.1 Billion Children Face Three Climate Threats at Once—How Sports Can Help
June 10, 2024
Nearly half of the world’s children—1.1 billion—are exposed to three simultaneous climate threats that endanger their health and survival, according to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index 2024, released today. The report identifies extreme heat, water insecurity, and food shortages as the most severe risks, with children in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia disproportionately affected. While sports organizations have begun addressing climate impacts—from FIFA’s sustainability initiatives to the IOC’s climate action plan—experts say the sector must do more to protect young athletes and fans.
Three Climate Threats Affecting 1.1 Billion Children
UNICEF’s report, based on data from 2023, reveals that:
- Extreme heat: 820 million children live in areas where temperatures exceed 35°C (95°F) for at least 30 days a year.
- Water insecurity: 600 million children lack access to safe drinking water, with droughts worsening in key agricultural regions.
- Food shortages: 150 million children face acute malnutrition linked to climate-related crop failures.
The report highlights that children in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are most vulnerable, accounting for 70% of the 1.1 billion affected. “These threats are not just environmental—they are child protection crises,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, in a statement.
How Sports Organizations Are Addressing Climate Risks
While the broader sports industry has faced criticism for its carbon footprint—particularly in aviation and stadium operations—some organizations are taking action to mitigate climate impacts on young athletes and fans.
FIFA’s Sustainability Roadmap
FIFA’s Sustainability Strategy 2023–2026 includes measures to reduce emissions from tournaments, including:
- Using renewable energy for stadiums (e.g., solar-powered venues in Qatar 2022).
- Promoting sustainable transportation for fans and players.
- Partnering with climate NGOs to fund youth programs in high-risk regions.
However, critics argue FIFA’s efforts remain insufficient. A 2023 study by Sport and Development found that only 12% of FIFA’s climate pledges directly benefit children in vulnerable communities.
IOC’s Climate Action Plan
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has committed to making the 2030 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo the first “climate-positive” Games. Key initiatives include:
- Carbon-neutral event operations, including offsetting flights for athletes.
- Youth climate education programs in host regions.
- Collaboration with the UN to train young athletes as climate advocates.
Thomas Bach, IOC President, stated in a 2023 press release, “The Olympic Games must set an example—not just in sport, but in climate leadership.”
NFL’s Environmental Sustainability Program
The NFL has launched initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including:
- Solar panels at NFL stadiums (e.g., Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco).
- Partnerships with food banks to combat food insecurity in stadium communities.
- Player-led climate advocacy, such as the NFL Green initiative.
Yet, a 2024 report by Sierra Club found that NFL teams still emit more greenhouse gases per game than MLB or NBA teams, largely due to energy-intensive stadiums.
How Climate Threats Affect Young Athletes
Children in sports are particularly vulnerable to climate change. The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change reports that:
- Heat stress: Young athletes in regions like India and Pakistan are at higher risk of heatstroke during training and competitions.
- Water scarcity: Soccer academies in sub-Saharan Africa often lack access to clean water, forcing young players to train in unsafe conditions.
- Food insecurity: Malnutrition reduces stamina and recovery, affecting performance in endurance sports like marathon running.
Dr. Nick Watts, a climate and health expert at The Lancet, warns that “climate change is not just a future problem—it’s already reshaping youth sports today.”
“In Kenya, where many elite marathon runners come from, droughts have forced families to migrate. This disrupts training cycles and exposes young athletes to new health risks.”
Three Ways Sports Can Protect Children from Climate Risks
Experts say sports organizations can take immediate steps to safeguard young athletes and fans:
1. Expand Climate-Resilient Training Programs
Sports federations should adapt training methods for extreme heat, such as:
- Heat-acclimatization protocols for young athletes in high-temperature regions.
- Hydration and nutrition education for coaches and players.
- Mobile medical units in drought-prone areas to monitor heat-related illnesses.
The FIFA Football for School program already includes basic health training, but scaling this to climate risks could save lives.
2. Invest in Sustainable Youth Development
Instead of building new stadiums, sports bodies should:
- Repurpose existing facilities with renewable energy sources.
- Fund water and sanitation projects in sports hubs (e.g., Nairobi, Lagos, Mumbai).
- Train young athletes as climate monitors in their communities.
Example: The UNICEF-UEFA partnership has successfully integrated climate education into youth soccer programs in Europe and Africa.
3. Advocate for Policy Change
Sports leagues should use their global platforms to:
- Push for stronger climate policies in host countries (e.g., FIFA demanding water rights for tournaments).
- Lobby governments to include child climate resilience in national plans.
- Amplify young athletes’ voices in climate negotiations (e.g., the Youth4Climate movement).
How Other Sectors Are Responding—And What Sports Can Learn
While sports lags behind some industries in climate action, other sectors offer models for progress:
| Sector | Climate Action | Lessons for Sports |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Google and Apple have committed to 100% renewable energy operations. | Sports can follow by powering stadiums with solar/wind energy. |
| Entertainment | Disney and Netflix have pledged carbon-neutral production. | Sports can adopt similar standards for tournaments and broadcasts. |
| Retail | Patagonia and Nike have launched sustainable product lines. | Sports apparel brands can prioritize eco-friendly materials. |
A 2024 report by BSR found that companies with strong climate policies see a 20% increase in youth engagement—an opportunity sports should seize.
Key Questions About Climate Risks and Children in Sports
Q: Are elite young athletes already being affected by climate change?
A: Yes. In 2023, the World Health Organization reported a 30% increase in heat-related illnesses among young athletes in training camps in India and the Middle East.
Q: How can parents protect their children from climate risks in sports?
A: Experts recommend:
- Choosing sports with flexible training times (e.g., indoor activities during heatwaves).
- Ensuring access to clean water and shaded rest areas.
- Monitoring nutrition and hydration, especially in drought-prone regions.
Q: Which sports are most vulnerable to climate change?
A: Outdoor and endurance sports are most at risk:
- Soccer (heat stress, water scarcity).
- Marathon running (droughts, extreme temperatures).
- Outdoor tennis (solar radiation, extreme humidity).
How You Can Help
Sports fans and organizations can take action:
- Support UNICEF’s climate programs for children.
- Advocate for sustainable practices in local sports clubs.
- Share resources from Sport and Development to raise awareness.
Tag us @Archysport in your climate action stories—we’ll feature the best initiatives.
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