While much of the attention of the past year has been consumed by the response to the pandemic, it has never been more important for sport to play its part in the great climate challenge.
That is why the AELTC has joined forces with the BBC, COP26 – the UN Climate Change Summit set to be hosted by the UK in Glasgow later this year, and the Met Office to create a spotlight on the environment during this year’s Championships, with Thursday 1 July set to be the first Environment Day.
At the Chairman’s invitation, the Royal Box will feature a variety of environment champions, including COP26 Champion Nigel Topping, Professor Lord Nicholas Stern, Mark Carney – Finance Advisor to the Prime Minister for COP26, Dr Mya-Rose Craig, Angela Francis, Bear Grylls and Adam Henson.
The BBC will reflect the day in their coverage with Adrian Chiles presenting a discussion on his BBC Radio 5 Live programme (from 10am) featuring AELTC Chief Executive Sally Bolton and the Prime Minister’s spokesperson for COP26 Allegra Stratton, which will cover the AELTC’s 2030 environment positive commitment, the preparations for COP26, and the Met Office’s research on the impact that climate change could have on sports events such as Wimbledon.
COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma said: “In this year of significant climate action across the United Kingdom ahead of COP26, it is exciting that Wimbledon has chosen to hold an Environment Day.
“Every aspect of our lives has an impact on the climate, from the food we eat to the sports that we love to watch and play, and tennis is no exception.
“I am therefore delighted to see that Wimbledon will join COP26 in encouraging everyone to go one step greener to tackle climate change and to build a more sustainable world.”
AELTC Chief Executive Sally Bolton OBE commented: “We believe that the AELTC and The Championships have a meaningful role to play in helping to protect the environment, today and for the future. Changes to our climate are accelerating and we have a responsibility to play our part, mitigating our own impacts, ensuring we have a climate resilient estate for the future and using our influence to support this important cause.
Professor Stephen Belcher, the Met Office’s chief scientist, commented: “All the available evidence points towards the fact that our climate is changing: we have already seen aspects such as extreme heat, and the worst is yet to come.
“The UK has not recorded temperatures of more than 38.7C. However, our climate projections show temperatures of 40.0C or more are possible at Wimbledon even during future tournaments, posing considerable challenges for the health of players and spectators.
“Climate change will affect every facet of our lives, including the sports we love to watch. Wimbledon Environment Day is a reminder that society has very little time left to keep the temperature of our atmosphere within sustainable limits.”
Throughout the day, the AELTC channels will highlight various opinions on the topic, including sharing more about the AELTC’s initiatives this year under the four themes of net zero carbon, biodiversity net gain, circular resources, and creating a platform for action.
These include the introduction of a reusable cup for cold drinks, a new sustainably sourced card container for the traditional Wimbledon strawberries and cream, the collection of used racket strings for recycling, clothing made entirely from plastic bottles, and zero waste to landfill.
In addition, the proposals for the AELTC Wimbledon Park Project, which are at final consultation stage, include a series of elements pivotal to the AELTC’s strategy.
These include the creation of the biggest new public park in London since the Olympic Park, the planting of 1500 British grown new trees, the restoration of the Wimbledon Park Lake, the creation of dedicated and diverse natural habitats, and investment in infrastructure to further decarbonise our estate.
Our approach to the environment is just one aspect of Wimbledon’s capacity and responsibility to act as a force for good, delivering a positive and sustainable impact on our economy, society and the environment in support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We are a signatory to the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework and part of the BAFTA Albert Consortium, and are proud to work alongside the UN, the sports industry, and our partners in achieving our aim.
Find out more at wimbledon.com/sustainability
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