Climate Change in Florida
9 min
Level
In this article, we’ll break down why climate change in Florida is a growing problem and what can be done to protect the sunshine state moving forward.
The voice of impact
ESG / CSR
Industries
Greenly solutions
US
US
How is sport affected by climate change?
Level
Sport is deeply connected to the environment. Whether it’s a football match played under open skies, a marathon runner pacing through city streets, or a skier carving through fresh powder, weather, and climate conditions shape the way sports are played, watched, and enjoyed. But as climate change accelerates, extreme heat, unpredictable weather patterns, and environmental degradation are increasingly disrupting sporting events at every level - from grassroots competitions to the Olympics.
Why does this matter? Climate change isn’t just an issue for future generations, it’s already reshaping the world of sport. Athletes are struggling with soaring temperatures, stadiums are being battered by extreme weather, and entire sporting seasons are being thrown into chaos by unpredictable conditions. Some sports, like skiing and winter sports, are particularly vulnerable, while others, such as football, are facing new risks that threaten the way the game is played.
In this article, we’ll explore why climate change is affecting sports, how different sporting disciplines are being impacted, and what the industry is doing in response.
“ Climate change is affecting everybody. Whether it's forest fires, flooding, landslides, we've got problems here and it's not limited to those areas that we were instinctively having to figure out 20 or 30 years ago. It's on our doorstep. – Lord Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics. ”
Why is climate change impacting sport?
“ According to a survey by World Athletics, three-quarters of athletes have been directly impacted by climate change. ”
Sport has always been shaped by the environment. Seasons dictate when leagues begin and end, and weather conditions determine how games are played. But as climate change accelerates, the stable conditions that sport depends on are disappearing.
So, what’s behind this shift?
Rising global temperatures are making sport more dangerous
One of the most immediate impacts of climate change on sport is extreme heat. In 2024, the average global temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, making heatwaves more frequent, prolonged, and severe. This has direct consequences for athletes, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even life-threatening conditions like heatstroke.
Endurance sports, such as long-distance running, cycling, and tennis, are particularly affected, as competitors must sustain high physical exertion in rising temperatures and humid conditions over prolonged periods of time.
How heat impacts athletes' health and performance
High temperatures put immense stress on the human body, particularly during prolonged physical activity. Heat illness occurs when the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature is overwhelmed.
Heat-related conditions that athletes face include:
| Condition | Symptoms | Impact on Athletes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Cramps | Muscle spasms, dehydration, sweating | Common in endurance athletes, worsens performance |
| Heat Exhaustion | Dizziness, nausea, headaches, rapid pulse, excessive sweating | Leads to fatigue and increased injury risk |
| Heatstroke (Medical Emergency) | Core body temp above 40.5°C, confusion, collapse, unconsciousness | Can be fatal if not treated immediately |
As climate change accelerates, these conditions are becoming more common, even among elite athletes!
Tokyo 2020: the hottest Olympics on record
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics highlighted the risks of extreme heat in elite sports. With temperatures soaring to 34°C (93°F) and humidity levels reaching 70%, the Games were declared the hottest in Olympic history.
Some key incidents included:
Tennis players struggled to finish matches:
- Spain’s Paula Badosa collapsed due to heat exhaustion and had to be taken off the court in a wheelchair.
- Russia’s Daniil Medvedev needed two medical timeouts in his men’s singles quarter-final. At one point, he told officials: “I can finish the match, but I can die. If I die, are you going to be responsible?”
- Kazakhstan’s Zarina Diyas also retired mid-match due to extreme heat.
Archers and beach volleyball players suffered from the following conditions:
- Russian archer Svetlana Gomboeva collapsed from heatstroke while inspecting her target.
- Beach volleyball players complained that the sand was almost too hot to stand on, despite multiple attempts to cool it with water.
Athletes in endurance sports faced the greatest risks:
- The marathon and race-walking events were moved 500 miles north to Sapporo, yet athletes still battled heat exhaustion.
- In marathon swimming, competitors woke up at 3:45 am to race in 30°C (86°F) water, raising concerns about the risk of heatstroke.
The 2023 US Open
The 2023 US Open (tennis) was another wake-up call, with temperatures surpassing 35°C (95°F) on the court.
- Daniil Medvede, already a vocal critic of playing in extreme heat, warned mid-match: “One player is going to die, and then they will see.”
- Players gasped for air, drenched in sweat, and struggled to physically complete matches.
- Even with medical interventions, the heat proved too much, forcing organizers to introduce longer breaks between sets and shaded rest areas.
Amature athletes
While elite athletes receive medical support and hydration strategies, amateur athletes such as young athletes in high schools and colleges are even more vulnerable to heatstroke.
- More than 61 American football players have died from heatstroke since 1995, with fatalities increasing due to rising temperatures and longer heatwaves.
- Over 62,500 amateur football matches were canceled in the UK in 2020 due to unplayable heat or waterlogged pitches.
Heat-related risks in sports are no longer rare or extreme cases they are becoming the new normal.
“ We are going to have to have a think about this. And maybe some of our endurance events, particularly the road, need to be staged at times of year where you are not putting athletes at risk. – Lord Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics. ”
Close
Extreme weather is damaging sporting infrastructure
“ Sport has always had to contend with bad weather, but in recent years, extreme storms, heavy rainfall, and flooding have become more frequent and severe. This is no longer a rare occurrence, it’s a regular challenge that threatens entire sporting calendars and the infrastructure that supports professional and grassroots sports. ”
Why is extreme weather disrupting sport?
Climate data shows that storms and heavy rainfall are becoming more intense due to rising global temperatures. Warmer air holds more moisture, meaning storms release more rain in a shorter period, leading to flooding.
- In the UK, winter rainfall has increased by more than 15% since 1990, leading to waterlogged football pitches and postponed fixtures.
- In the US, hurricane seasons are lasting longer, putting stadiums, training grounds, and sports events at risk.
- Globally, extreme storms and floods are damaging stadiums, delaying tournaments, and even forcing relocations.
These events aren’t just affecting play on the pitch, they’re also causing financial headaches for clubs, venues, and sponsors who rely on consistent schedules.
| Extreme Weather Event | How it Affects Sport | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Rainfall & Flooding | Waterlogged pitches, cancelled matches, damage to stadiums | UK football pitches, cricket grounds, New Orleans Saints stadium after Hurricane Ida |
| Storms & Hurricanes | Stadium destruction, power outages, postponed seasons | NBA, NFL, and MLB disruptions in hurricane-prone states |
| Strong Winds | Dangerous conditions for outdoor sports, damage to infrastructure | Cycling events postponed, rugby matches affected |
Football and rugby: UK pitches underwater
- Premier League stadiums have been impacted by more intense rainfall - Old Trafford and Wembley have faced drainage problems, while lower-league clubs have seen flooded grounds requiring costly repairs.
- Rugby pitches have also suffered, especially in Scotland and Wales, where winter rainfall has intensified, affecting training and match schedules.
Cricket: struggling with wetter summers
Cricket is one of the sports most affected by extreme rainfall, as even a short downpour can make conditions unplayable for hours.
- Since 2000, 27% of England's home one-day international cricket matches have been affected by rain delays or reduced overs.
- The 2023 Ashes Series saw critical matches disrupted, sparking concerns that longer, wetter summers could threaten the future of Test cricket in England.
The US: hurricanes and storms batter sports infrastructure
- Hurricane Ida (2021) forced the New Orleans Saints (NFL) to relocate their season opener after the stadium’s roof was damaged and local infrastructure was severely impacted.
- Hurricane Ian (2022) disrupted baseball, American football, and college sports, causing millions in damages to stadiums in Florida.
- In Texas, severe storms have damaged baseball and American football fields, leading to last-minute match postponements.
Cycling and marathons: high winds and flooding creating dangerous conditions
Extreme weather is not just about rain, it’s also about wind speeds and air pressure.
- The Tour de France has faced increasing challenges, with stronger crosswinds forcing changes to race routes.
- In November 2024, the Zurich Maratón San Sebastián was canceled less than 24 hours before its scheduled start due to extreme weather conditions. Forecasts predicted wind speeds exceeding 120 km/h, posing significant safety risks for participants, volunteers, and spectators.
Golf: coastal courses under threat
- Many historic golf courses are located along coastlines, making them extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels and storm damage.
- In Scotland, courses like St Andrews have faced coastal erosion, while in the US, courses in Florida and California are increasingly flooded after storms.
Extreme weather is also a growing financial burden on the sports industry.
- Stadium insurance premiums are rising due to climate risks.
- Local clubs are struggling to recover from repeated storm damage.
- Match postponements and cancellations are costing leagues millions in lost revenue.
The financial repercussions
Extreme weather isn’t just disrupting play, it’s hitting clubs, leagues, and venues financially.
- Stadium insurance premiums are rising, making it more expensive to safeguard facilities.
- Clubs face mounting repair costs, from flooded football pitches in the UK to hurricane-damaged stadiums in the US.
- Postponements and cancellations are costing leagues millions in lost ticket sales, broadcasting revenue, and sponsorship deals.
For grassroots and local teams, the impact is even greater as many lack the resources to recover from repeated weather damage. Without adaptation, extreme weather will continue to strain the financial future of sport.
Close
Wildfires and air pollution are making it harder to breathe
“ I was really scared I would collapse because I couldn't walk any more. – Dalila Jakupović, after retiring from the 2020 Australian Open due to wildfire smoke ”
As climate change intensifies wildfires, air pollution is becoming a serious threat to outdoor sports. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and drier landscapes are making wildfires larger, more frequent, and harder to control, filling the air with smoke, ash, and harmful pollutants.
For athletes, this is a direct health hazard. Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and toxic chemicals, which reduce lung function and oxygen intake, making physical exertion far more difficult. Even short-term exposure can lead to inflammation in the lungs, respiratory distress, and long-term health effects.
How poor air quality affects athletes
When air quality deteriorates, athletes experience:
- Shortness of breath, dizziness, and eye irritation
- Reduced endurance and slower recovery times due to limited oxygen intake
- Increased risk of heart and lung conditions from prolonged exposure
- Higher susceptibility to dehydration as the body works harder to cool itself
This isn’t just a problem for elite competitors - grassroots sports, recreational runners, and even children playing outdoors are increasingly at risk.
In cities with high pollution levels, people are exercising outdoors less often, raising concerns about declining sports participation and overall public health.
Real-world examples
- 2020 Australian Open: Wildfire smoke engulfed Melbourne, forcing players to compete in hazardous conditions. Dalila Jakupović collapsed on the court and had to retire, while other players struggled to breathe between points. Organizers had to halt practice sessions and implement new air quality measures, yet many players still described the conditions as “unplayable”.
- US wildfires (California & Oregon): Baseball, soccer, and track events have been canceled across multiple states due to poor air quality. In Major League Baseball (MLB), games have been postponed because smoke from California wildfires reduced visibility and made conditions unsafe.
With wildfire seasons expanding and air pollution worsening, sports governing bodies are facing tough decisions about whether to continue outdoor events in hazardous conditions. If current trends continue, air pollution could reshape outdoor sports altogether, with:
- More events relocated or postponed due to dangerous air quality levels
- Increased use of indoor training facilities for endurance sports
Athletes forced to adapt to wearing protective gear or limit outdoor exposure
Close
Winter sports struggle as snowfall declines
For skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, climate change is a direct existential threat. Rising global temperatures are shortening ski seasons, reducing snowfall, and accelerating glacier melt, forcing resorts and event organisers to rely more heavily on artificial snow and higher-altitude venues.
At the elite level, this is reshaping where and how competitions take place. At the grassroots level, it’s threatening entire industries dependent on winter tourism, from small ski towns to global ski giants.
How is climate change disrupting winter sports?
Shorter and more unpredictable ski seasons
- Warmer winters mean ski resorts are opening later and closing earlier. Some are struggling to remain operational at all.
- The global average winter temperature has increased by around 1.5°C, meaning lower-altitude resorts are seeing less snowfall and faster snowmelt.
Some ski resorts are becoming unviable
- Lower-altitude resorts in Europe and North America are already shutting down due to a lack of reliable snow cover.
- Many ski resorts are moving operations to higher altitudes, but there’s a limit to how high they can go.
Artificial snow is snow a necessity
- Artificial snow production requires water and energy, making it both environmentally damaging and expensive.
- Some resorts spend millions each year on snow-making technology, making winter sports increasingly accessible only to wealthier regions and visitors.
Real-world examples
- The Alps are warming at twice the global average, with snowfall levels declining significantly over the past 50 years. Some lower-altitude resorts in France, Switzerland, and Austria have already closed permanently due to a lack of snow.
- Colorado and Utah ski resorts are seeing shorter seasons, forcing them to invest heavily in artificial snow just to stay open.
- Glaciers used for summer skiing and training are melting rapidly. If current trends continue, some of the most famous skiing destinations could become unviable by 2050.
What’s next for winter sports?
If current trends continue:
- Lower-altitude ski resorts will disappear, leaving only a handful of high-altitude destinations.
- Artificial snow will become the norm, further increasing costs and environmental concerns.
Winter sports may become a luxury, accessible only to the wealthiest regions and athletes.
“ Without urgent climate action, some of the world’s most beloved winter sports could become nearly impossible in their traditional form. ”
Close
The future of sport
Climate change is already reshaping sport as we know it. From athletes battling extreme heat to flooded stadiums, shrinking ski seasons, and worsening air quality, the impacts are becoming impossible to ignore.
But sport has always been about adaptation and resilience. Governing bodies, clubs, and venues are starting to respond - whether by rescheduling events, improving sustainability, or investing in climate-proof infrastructure.
Without urgent action to reduce emissions and make sport more sustainable, some games may become too dangerous, too unpredictable, or too costly to continue as they are today. The future of sport depends on how quickly the industry, governments, and fans step up to the challenge.
Close
How Greenly can help your company
At Greenly, we help businesses and organizations track, analyze, and reduce their carbon emissions.
Our suite of carbon management services includes:
- Carbon footprint tracking: Helping companies measure and manage their Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
- Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs): Gain insights into the environmental impact of products and services across their entire life cycle.
- Sustainable suppliers: Identify and connect with lower-carbon suppliers to make greener procurement choices.
Sources
- Greenly, Climate change in 2022: where do we stand?, https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/climate-change-in-2022-where-do-we-stand
- Greenly, Paris Olympics, https://greenly.earth/en-gb/leaf-media/data-stories/paris-olympics
- The Sustainability Report, Seb Coe’s consistent spotlighting of climate issues earns World Athletics ‘outstanding leadership’ recognition, https://sustainabilityreport.com/2024/07/25/seb-coes-consistent-spotlighting-of-climate-issues-earns-world-athletics-outstanding-leadership-recognition/
- BBC Sport, Climate crisis: Athletes directly impacted by climate change, World Athletics finds, https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/67569354
- Earth.org, How Climate Change Is Affecting Professional Sports Worldwide, https://earth.org/how-climate-change-is-affecting-professional-sports-worldwide/
- Copernicus, Copernicus: 2024 is the first year to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial level, https://climate.copernicus.eu/copernicus-2024-first-year-exceed-15degc-above-pre-industrial-level
- Greenly, Heatwave UK: what should people and companies do?, https://greenly.earth/en-gb/blog/company-guide/heatwave-uk-what-should-people-and-companies-do
- The British Association for Sustainable Sport, Rings of Fire 2, https://basis.org.uk/resource/rings-of-fire-2/
- The Guardian, Olympic athletes and volunteers in Tokyo ‘tortured’ by hottest Games ever, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/05/olympic-athletes-and-volunteers-in-tokyo-tortured-by-heat
- Greenly, Why should we care shout the wet bulb temperature? , https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/why-should-we-care-about-the-wet-bulb-temperature
- Climate Home News, ‘Hottest games ever’: At the Tokyo Olympics, elite sport met the climate crisis, https://www.climatechangenews.com/2021/08/06/hottest-games-ever-tokyo-olympics-elite-sport-met-climate-crisis/
- CBS News, Tennis star says "I can die" in the heat at Tokyo Games and another player leaves the court in a wheelchair, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tokyo-olympics-tennis-daniil-medvedev-heat-i-can-die-paula-badosa-wheelchair/
- Today, Tennis star Daniil Medvedev asks who will 'be responsible' if he dies from Tokyo heat, https://www.today.com/news/tennis-star-daniil-medvedev-requires-medical-attention-due-extreme-heat-t226743
- BBC Sport, Tokyo Olympics: Russian archer faints in heat & rowing schedule changed due to weather, https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/57940257
- National Post, Brutal humidity, scorching sand: Tokyo 2020 Olympics athletes face hottest Games on record, https://nationalpost.com/sports/olympics/brutal-humidity-scorching-hot-sand-tokyo-2020-olympics-athletes-may-face-hottest-games-on-record
- Wallstreet Journal, Olympic officials want to move the marathons 500 miles north of Tokyo , https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/10/16/olympic-officials-want-move-marathons-miles-north-tokyo/
- The Guardian, Water like hot soup and 3.45am alarms: just another day for the marathon swimmers, https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/aug/03/water-like-hot-soup-and-345am-alarms-just-another-day-for-the-marathon-swimmers
- BBS Sport, US Open 2023: How hot is too hot to play a Grand Slam?, https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/66737830
- Sky Sports, Daniil Medvedev says 'one player is going to die' during 'brutal' US Open win over Andrey Rublev, https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/32833/12956442/daniil-medvedev-says-one-player-is-going-to-die-during-brutal-us-open-win-over-andrey-rublev
- The Guardian, ‘One player is gonna die’: US Open struggles as heatwave envelops New York, https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/06/us-open-tennis-heat-humidity-new-york-heatwave
- PubMed Central, Fatal Exertional Heat Stroke and American Football Players: The Need for Regional Heat-Safety Guidelines, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5800727/
- The Mirror, Climate change puts future of football at risk - as amateur teams could disappear, https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/grassroots-football-risk-extinction-weather-25011077#google_vignette
- Greenly, How the flood damage bill will increase with climate change, https://greenly.earth/en-gb/blog/ecology-news/how-the-flood-damage-bill-will-increase-with-climate-change
- NASA, Extreme Weather and Climate Change, https://science.nasa.gov/climate-change/extreme-weather/#:~:text=As%20Earth's%20climate%20changes%2C%20it,more%20frequent%20and%20more%20intense.
- Carbon Brief, Analysis: How UK winters are getting warmer and wetter, https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-how-uk-winters-are-getting-warmer-and-wetter/#:~:text=Between%201961%2D90%20and%201990,average%20winter%20rainfall%20of%20380mm.
- AMS Journals, Lengthening Atlantic Hurricane Seasons with Earlier Storm Formation Dates Including Implications from 2020, https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/clim/37/24/JCLI-D-23-0507.1.xml
- Greenly, What’s the carbon footprint of premier league clubs, https://greenly.earth/en-gb/blog/ecology-news/whats-the-carbon-footprint-of-premier-league-clubs
- BBC Sport, Old Trafford issues highlighted by heavy rainfall, https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cyxez22ll5ro
- World Economic Forum, Cancelled races, fainting players: How climate change affects sports, https://www.weforum.org/stories/2019/08/climate-change-effects-turns-up-heat-on-sports/
- Reuters, Ashes day four start delayed due to rain, https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/ashes-day-four-start-delayed-due-rain-2023-07-22/
- Greenly, How does climate change fuel a hurricane?, https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/how-does-climate-change-fuel-a-hurricane
- NY Times, N.F.L. Moves New Orleans Saints’ Season Opener to Jacksonville, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/01/sports/football/packers-saints-jacksonville.html#:~:text=The%20Saints%20will%20open%20their,the%20N.F.L.%20said%20on%20Wednesday.
- US Today Sports, College, pro teams move, reschedule, postpone games because of Hurricane Ian, https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/2022/09/27/hurricane-ian-college-football-other-sports-move-reschedule-games/10444210002/
- The Washington Post, Crazy video shows why winds forced Tour de France organizers to alter route, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/07/13/crazy-video-shows-why-winds-forced-tour-de-france-organizers-to-alter-route/
- Running, Spain’s San Sebastián Marathon cancelled due to ridiculously high winds, https://runningmagazine.ca/sections/runs-races/spains-san-sebastian-marathon-cancelled-due-to-ridiculously-high-winds/
- The GolfPA, 8th hole at St. Andrews course threatened by erosion, https://www.thegolfpa.com/8th-hole-at-st-andrews-course-threatened-by-erosion
- BBC Sport, Australia fires: Dalila Jakupovic 'scared I would collapse' because of 'unhealthy' air quality, https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/51100706
- Greenly, Canada wildfires: consequences and lessons, https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/canada-wildfires-causes-consequences-and-lessons
- The Guardian, Australian Open players affected by bushfire smoke, https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/14/australian-open-in-doubt-as-bushfire-smoke-endangers-players#:~:text=Worries%20over%20the%20health%20of,worst%20in%20the%20world%20overnight.
- Sports Business Journal, Wildfires causing SoCal sports postponements, https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/01/12/la-wildfire-cancellations/
- Euronews, Not enough snow or visitors: Another French ski resort is forced to close for good, https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/10/08/is-climate-change-to-blame-for-the-increasing-closure-of-european-ski-resorts#:~:text=Especially%20in%20recent%20years%2C%20these,continued%20to%20attract%20summer%20visitors.
- Euronews, Snowball effect: Is artificial snow a long-term solution for ski resorts in a warming world?, https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/04/03/snowball-effect-is-artificial-snow-a-long-term-solution-for-ski-resorts-in-a-warming-world
- Scientific Reports, Climate warming detected in caves of the European Alps, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-78658-y#:~:text=The%20European%20Alps%20(hereafter%20Alps,%C2%B0C%20per%20decade5.
- Greenly, What is the doomsday glacier and why does it matter?, https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/what-is-the-doomsday-glacier-and-why-does-it-matter
- WWF, Climate change and the world of sports, https://www.wwf.fr/sites/default/files/doc-2024-04/SPORTS%26CLIMATE_ENGLISH.pdf
More articles
View all
Can We Stop Coastal Erosion?
10 min
Level
In this article, we’ll explain what coastal erosion is, why it’s a problem, and if coastal erosion can be prevented.
10 Actions You Didn’t Expect to Be So Carbon-Intensive
9 min
Level
In this article, we’ll uncover some of the most unexpectedly carbon-intensive things and gestures you might not have considered - along with practical ways to reduce your footprint.
What was the Medieval Warm Period (MWP)?
8 min
Level
In this article, we’ll break down what the Medieval Warm Period was, its impact on the world, and how the lessons we can use from then to fight climate change today.
Share
Subscribe to the newsletter