CRICKET SPORT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
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Welcome to the wonderful world of cricket. Cricket is a bat-and-ball game that originated in England in the 16th century which has since spread around the world, and it’s now played in over 100 countries. The rules of cricket have evolved over time, but the basic structure of the game remains the same. Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players each. The goal is to score more runs than the other team by hitting the ball and running between the wickets. The team with the most runs after two innings wins the match.
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CONTRIBUTIONS OF CRICKET SPORT TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Negative:
- Source of carbon emissions due to the use of equipment.
- Travel to matches, and the construction and maintenance of grounds and stadiums.
Positive:
- Cricket can also have positive impacts on climate change through initiatives such as tree planting.
- Use of renewable energy sources, and waste reduction.
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON CRICKET SPORT
Climate change is already having a significant impact on cricket. The effects include:
- Availability of water, which is essential for maintaining cricket grounds and pitches.
- Droughts caused by climate change can lead to water shortages, which can affect the quality of pitches and make it difficult to maintain them.
- Rising sea levels can threaten the existence of some cricket grounds, especially those near the coast.
CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION EFFORTS BY CRICKET SPORT
The sustainable practices that should be implemented in all cricket organizations are:
- Creation of Sustainable Stadiums.
- Green Transportation Systems.
- Sustainable Equipment.
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In response to the impacts of climate change on cricket, there are a number of adaptation efforts being made. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has developed a Climate Action Plan, which outlines measures to reduce the sport's carbon footprint and adapt to the changing climate.
- Planting trees
- Partnerships with environmental Organizations,
- Switching to renewable energy sources, and reducing waste, etc.
Cricket has been increasingly incorporating sustainability into its practices and policies in recent times owing to the environmental impact considerations, both on and off the field. Many cricket grounds are now powered by solar energy and LED lighting, and recycling bins are being placed around grounds to reduce waste.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN CRICKET SPORT:
There are many opportunities for cricket to further incorporate sustainability which include;
- Usage of recycled water for irrigation of pitches.
- Use of sustainable materials like bamboo can be used for pitch covers.
- Reduction of food waste at cricket grounds, for example, by composting organic waste or donating unsold food to local charities.
CALL TO ACTION
Given the impacts of climate change on cricket and the opportunities for sustainability in the sport,
- There is need to make sure that cricket grounds and stadiums are built and maintained in a way that is environmentally responsible.
- Cricket organizations need to commit to reducing their carbon emissions and waste, and promote sustainable practices among fans.
- Most importantly, we need to ensure that the next generation of cricketers are aware of the importance of sustainability and equipped to make a positive impact on the environment too.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Introduction of Pavegen tiles in stadium designs for generation of electricity for lighting and other purposes.
- Cricket grounds and stadiums should be built and maintained with sustainable materials and energy sources, such as solar panels and recycled water.
- The use of plastic should be reduced at cricket grounds, for example by banning single-use plastic bottles and cups.
In conclusion, Cricket has a significant role to play in promoting sustainability. It is more than just a sport being it’s a cultural phenomenon in many parts of the world.The sport is already taking steps to reduce its environmental impact, but there is still much work to be done. Cricket has a global reach, and the millions of fans who follow the sport can be encouraged to make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives. If cricket can lead by example and promote sustainability, it can have a positive impact on the environment.
REFERENCES:
"Sustainable cricket grounds: A case study of the Melbourne Cricket Ground" by R. Chen et al. (2019)
"Sustainable solutions for cricket infrastructure" by the Climate Council of Australia (2018)
"Why cricket needs to do more for the environment" by the International Cricket Council (2019)
"Greening cricket grounds" by the World Wildlife Fund (2015)
"Sustainability in sports: A case study of the ICC Cricket World Cup" by J. Chowdhury et al. (2013)
AUTHORS:
Cleopas Legbo ADAMA, Tolulope OLUBUMOYE, Wisdom ODUNZE, Chinweotito ORJI, Gift IFOKWE
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