World athletes have launched the global Adapt2Win campaign to draw the attention of governments to the need to invest in climate change adaptation. The initiative was launched before the COP30 climate summit in Brazil and brought together about 40 famous athletes.
It was reported by Reuters.
Among the campaigners are tennis player Beatrice Haddad Maya, surfer Maya Gabeira, Romanian swimmer David Popovici, and former English footballer Raheem Sterling.
Adapt2Win added that climate change is already affecting sports. Extreme heat, heavy rains and fires make training and competitions more difficult. In 2024, climate-related disasters caused $417 billion in losses, but less than 10% of global climate finance was directed to adaptation.
In particular, the athletes are preparing a film about the impact of floods and fires on sports infrastructure to be shown at COP30. The campaign also showcases successful local initiatives, such as SMS drought alerts in Kenya and maternal health care in Sierra Leone.
The initiative calls on governments to invest not only in environmental projects, but also in early warning systems, sustainable sports facilities, and youth education programs.
What is Adapt2Win
Adapt2Win is a global campaign launched by elite athletes to draw the world's attention to the issue of climate change. Its main goal is to show that climate change is already affecting sports and people's lives, and that governments and organizations should invest in adapting to these changes.
The 30th Conference of the Parties to the COP30 will be held in Belem, Brazil, from November 10 to 21. The aim of the summit is to agree on concrete solutions that will help the world keep the global temperature rise within 1.5°C in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
In particular, the European Parliament has officially adopted its own priorities for COP30.
