Large-scale sporting events are a regular part of the summer calendar for many people, but as global temperatures continue to rise, will many of them be impacted by climate change issues like extreme heat and other weather events?
According to new research published by Queen’s University Belfast, almost 90% of the North American stadiums hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup could face potentially dangerous levels of heat.
Of the 16 stadiums in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. involved in the tournament, researchers claim 14 could exceed the 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees Fahrenheit) at least some of the time during matches.
And it found four stadiums could also reach a more dangerous 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit) level of extreme heat.
Dr Donal Mullan from Queen’s University said temperatures are likely to be at their peak between noon and 5pm, when games are usually scheduled in an interview.
Dr. Mullan added to protect players and spectators, organizers should rethink the timing of the games, with matches being held in the mornings or the evenings, when temperatures are cooler.
He said World Cup tournament stadiums in Miami and Monterry will be among those worst affected, while stadiums in Mexico City and Vancouver will be less impacted by extreme heat, as they have cooler climates.
“We are getting more extreme heat events, which will continue with the trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions,” Dr. Mullan told me.
“Building purpose-built air-conditioned stadiums is not an ideal solution, because they are very expensive and give spectators a false sense of security when they are faced with extreme heat afterwards.”
EY’s global climate change and sustainability services leader, Dr. Matthew Bell said the world of elite sport is having to face some “hard truths” about the way that it operates because of climate change in an email.
Dr. Bell added as we look ahead to events like Brisbane Olympics in 2032, organizers will need to be thinking broadly about the impact not only of rising temperatures, but extreme weather events in general.
“Any assessment of climate risks has to cover preparation, the event itself and of course its legacy; and as ever, there are no short cuts, or last-minute solutions,” said Dr. Bell
“Work has to start many years in advance, and organizers need to build plans founded on thorough research and meaningful collaboration with governments, environmental organizations and community groups.”
WSP’s advisory and planning business line leader, Jannet Walker-Ford said extreme weather events and rising temperatures pose formidable challenges to large-scale events in an email.
Walker-Ford added it is crucial to integrate climate resilience into event planning.
“This includes investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme conditions, implementing advanced weather monitoring systems, and developing comprehensive emergency response plans,” she said.
“By proactively addressing these challenges, large-scale events remain safe, enjoyable, and sustainable despite the growing threat of climate change.”
And Dr. Matt Winning, a lecturer at University College London said extreme weather and sports events are a “dangerous mix” in an email.
Dr. Winning added big sporting events provide inspiration for new generations but should not come at the cost of these generations.
“They bring joy, despair and glory to those who are invested. But are they going to be as popular if long breaks are required because of the midday heat or wildfire smoke?” he said.
Dr. Winning said major sports events should also break ties with corporate sponsors who burn fossil fuels.
He added there needs to be more focus on grassroots sports movements that connect to the places and people in our local communities.
“Joining the dots and making the connections between climate and sport in our own homes is the key to changing minds from the ground up,” he said.
