World Athletics Sets New Environmental and Social Standards with ‘Athletics for a Better World’ Review

Summary – World Athletics launches its inaugural annual review evaluating athletics meets on sustainability and social impact, marking a new era for greener, community-focused sports events.,

Article –

World Athletics has introduced its first-ever annual review to evaluate international athletics meets against the newly established “Athletics for a Better World” standard. This initiative is set to drastically reduce the environmental impact of track and field events while enhancing the social and economic benefits for local communities worldwide. This move signals a significant transition toward sustainable sport governance and responsible global athletic competitions.

Setting the Stage

Major athletics competitions have faced increasing criticism due to their environmental footprint, including carbon emissions from travel, stadium operations, and event waste. Addressing these concerns, World Athletics created the “Athletics for a Better World” standard—a comprehensive framework guiding event organizers in adopting sustainable practices. The first review covers events from the past year, assessing criteria such as:

• Carbon footprint reduction
• Waste management
• Community engagement
• Promotion of diversity and inclusion

This extensive assessment included events ranging from Diamond League competitions to regional championships and aims to position sustainability and social responsibility as core values in athletics.

The Turning Point

The inaugural review marks a critical moment in athletics governance, balancing the sport’s global presence with environmental responsibility. Developed collaboratively by environmental scientists, sports leaders, and community figures, the framework addresses climate change and promotes local economic growth through sport.

Key criterion includes:

• Carbon emissions from participant travel
• Energy consumption of event facilities
• Water conservation efforts
• Sustainable sourcing for event materials
• Promotion of social inclusiveness and empowerment of underrepresented groups
• Stimulating local economies via vendor partnerships and outreach programs

Tactical/Technical Breakdown

The review uses both quantitative data and qualitative assessments; carbon emissions are calculated through life cycle analysis covering transportation, venues, and event activities. Waste management is audited to meet recycling and composting goals, while social impacts are gauged via surveys and interviews with local stakeholders, measuring job creation and youth engagement.

Technical highlights include:

• Use of renewable energy sources, with some venues sourcing up to 75% of energy from solar or wind power
• Innovative waste reduction strategies, such as eliminating single-use plastics

Psychological and cultural dimensions are integral, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, gender equity, and accessibility, which promote community pride and athlete well-being.

Reactions from the Sport

The review received widespread support from athletes, coaches, meet organizers, sponsors, and local authorities. It serves as both a roadmap and challenge for improving sustainable practices.

However, logistical challenges persist, particularly in regions lacking infrastructure for renewable energy and waste management. World Athletics has pledged technical support and capacity-building to help overcome these barriers.

What Comes Next?

With this first review establishing a benchmark, upcoming athletics seasons are expected to prioritize meeting and surpassing the “Athletics for a Better World” standards. The framework may influence future event rankings and qualifications, encouraging innovative sustainability efforts.

Potential developments include:

1. Reshaping sponsorships around environmental and social responsibility
2. Embedding sustainability requirements into competition rulebooks
3. Inspiring other sports disciplines to adopt similar evaluation frameworks

As the sport balances its global calendar with environmental goals, the athletics community and the broader sporting world will observe if it can become a leader in harmonizing elite competition with ecological and community well-being.

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Mitali

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