Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract/Objectives

Climate change has become a global focal point, significantly impacting the sports industry. In support of the 2050 "Net Zero Carbon Emissions" goal, Prof. Yu Huang and the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee's Sports and Environment Commission initiated the advocacy campaign "Sustainable Future, Youth in Action" during the National High School Games and National University Games. The campaign was launched on April 21, 2024, at the athletics venue of the Taipei Municipal Stadium during the National High School Games in Taipei City. The exhibit showcased tangible examples highlighting the integration of energy-saving and carbon-reduction elements into sports events. For instance, sportswear and trophies made from recycled materials exemplified "circular economy" practices, while plastic-free packaging for finisher shirts served as a model of "plastic reduction." Wooden medals, with significantly lower carbon emissions compared to traditional metal medals, stood as a classic example of "carbon reduction." The exhibition aimed to promote sustainable living through practical examples, encouraging participants to adopt small, energy-saving, and carbon-reducing habits in their daily lives.

Results/Contributions

According to meteorological records, 2023 will be the hottest year, which means that as climate change accelerates, its impact on the development of sports will also increase. From the following points, we can see the climate currently encountered in sports events. environmental impact issues. Warming has caused an increase in the temperature of the earth's surface, which will seriously affect the hosting and operation of events. The 2024 Paris Olympics will face high temperature challenges. Environmental scholars have warned that the high temperature and heat wave in Paris will pose challenges to the physical health of athletes and the quality of competition. Secondly, the lack of snow is becoming increasingly serious. Looking back at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, due to insufficient local snow, a large amount of artificial snow had to be used, which clearly shows the direct impact of extreme weather on sports events. The International Olympic Games estimates that by 2030, only ten countries in the world will be able to host winter snow sports. In recent years, air pollution has caused the air quality index to reach above 150, which will pose a health threat to athletes participating in sports events and spectators at the scene; in the past, the occurrence of "purple explosions" in China has forced many outdoor athletes to shy away.

Keywords

Net zero carbon emissionscircular economyplastic reductionsustainable technology

Contact Information

黃煜 教授
yhuang@mx.nthu.edu.tw