Climate Change Impact on Sports and Environmental Activism

Last year, Ottawa's Rideau Canal didn't have a season for skating due to the changing climate, marking a significant shift in tradition. This year, the ski season was also notably short across the country, with a lack of snow disrupting winter sports. Additionally, the Toronto Blue Jays are preparing for potential challenges as wildfire smoke might force them to close the Rogers Centre roof during games, as experienced last summer.

How Climate Change is Changing Sport." The book delves into the current and future effects of climate change on sports, highlighting how sporting bodies are addressing these challenges.

Orr emphasizes the need for both individual and systemic changes in sports practices to mitigate environmental impact. Participants in recreational events like marathons can make choices such as reducing air travel, focusing on sustainability in their gear, and urging event organizers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Professional sports have begun implementing measures like LED lighting and recycling, known as Green Sports 1.0, with a shift towards more activism on environmental issues by athletes and organizations, labeled as Green Sports 2.0. Orr acknowledges the challenges faced by professional sports in reducing carbon emissions due to the nature of frequent travel but suggests solutions like regional play schedules and carbon offsets for remaining travel. Through her work and upcoming book, Orr aims to inspire conversations and actions within the sports community to address the urgent threat of climate change.