NEXUS BETWEEN GOLF AND CLIMATE CHANGE

You are wondering what the sport of Golf has to do with Climate change and its effects right?

Well, think no further because we are about to break it down in the short and simplest terms possible. But first, let us briefly get to know what Golf as a sport is and what Climate Change is.

Golf is a very popular sport worldwide. It is a game played on a large outdoor course, the aim being to propel a small hard ball into a series of 'holes' with as few strokes as possible, using a variety of wood or iron-tipped sticks or 'golf clubs'.

Climate Change, on the other hand, refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil and gas), which produces heat-trapping gases.

HOW GOLF AFFECTS CLIMATE CHANGE

While it may not seem likely, there are many ways in which the game of golf contributes to the issue of climate change. For instance, a Course is very important to the game of golf, and maintaining such Courses requires the use of lots of water which is a scarce resource in many parts of the world. 

Also most Courses use chemicals and pesticides to make the course grass look pristine, the continuous use of these chemicals eventually harm the local ecosystems and wildlife.

Furthermore, lots of Golfers travel a long distance to reach their favourite course and this in turn result in a significant emissions of carbon. Moreso, golf carts and other vehicles used on the course can also contribute to pollution.

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON GOLF SPORT 

With the increase in temperature due to climate change, golfers may experience discomfort and fatigue, they may also face health problems such as dehydration, and heatstroke.  

Golf courses also require a certain amount of water to maintain their greens and fairways, and these courses are often home to various species of plants and animals. 

Change in climate may affect the adaptability of some of these species to new conditions which may lead to a loss of biodiversity.

ECO-FRIENDLY OPPORTUNITIES (SUSTAINABLE DRIVES) FOR GOLF AS A SPORT 

Despite these, there are alternatives that can be employed to make golfing more sustainable. They include;

— Employing the use of recycled water on golf course.

— Use of solar panels to power most of the equipment to reduce their energy consumption.

— Golfers can choose to walk instead of using cart, which can help in reducing their carbon footprint, by taking steps to reduce chemical exposure and by being environmentally friendly while going natural.

A HEALTHY GOLF COURSE AND AN UNHEALTHY ONE CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE 

 

https://unsplash.com/s/photos/golf-course

Climate change doesn’t only affect golf sport but every other sport and also the human race and the earth at large. Combating this requires that we come together and take actions to live — and play in a more sustainable way. As it is always said in the Green Switch Academy (GSA) “We can’t do without the earth but the earth can do without us”.

REFERENCES

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change

https://sdgs.un.org/goals

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