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- Climate
- Al Anbat News
UNEP: Sports Must Be Either a Climate Ally or Risk Becoming One of Its Major Casualties
It is no longer a far-fetched fantasy to imagine the cancellation of a World Cup edition or the postponement of an Olympic final due to a heatwave or flooding. These scenarios are inching closer to reality as climate change accelerates and extreme weather events intensify. Global sports now stand at the edge of an existential crisis threatening their future and continuity. What was once considered a rare climatic exception is fast becoming the new norm: tournaments are disrupted, stadiums evacuated, athletes face harsh environmental conditions, and fans experience sports under the threat of rainstorms, lightning, or extreme heatwaves. Numerous examples are becoming etched in global sports memory, including the rescheduling of events during the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver — not to mention the recent postponement of certain matches in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. These are not isolated incidents; they are stark warning signs for what's to come for the 2026 World Cup, future Olympic Games, and other major global sporting events. Today, sports are no longer immune to the planet's crises. They have become both victims of the climate crisis and potential catalysts for change. This is where the role of sustainable planning and environmental awareness becomes vital: sports must either become an ally in the climate fight or risk being one of its greatest losses. Interview with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) In this context, Al-Anbat conducted an in-depth interview with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to explore the growing climate threats to the sports sector and the opportunities for transitioning toward more sustainable models. The central questions: Can the world of sports withstand an increasingly unstable climate? Are sports institutions moving fast enough to adopt effective environmental strategies? Multiple Threats and a Comprehensive Scientific Approach UNEP assesses the climate impacts on major sporting events through scientific studies and multi-sectoral approaches. According to the organization, rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and ecosystem degradation threaten the infrastructure of stadiums and the natural environments that outdoor sports rely on. These threats include: Deforestation Coastal erosion Water scarcity Challenges linked to transport, energy, and infrastructure — all tightly intertwined with global sports events. The 2024 Emissions Gap Report by UNEP identified transport and energy sectors—key pillars in sports event logistics—as major contributors to global emissions. High-carbon activities include international travel for athletes and fans, and the energy-intensive operations of stadiums and facilities. Strategic Solutions and Global Initiatives UNEP's role extends beyond assessment. It provides technical guidance, climate-resilient planning, and facilitates knowledge transfer of best environmental practices. One of the leading global initiatives is "Sports for Nature,' developed in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Bertarelli Foundation. This initiative encourages the sports sector to protect and restore nature by offering an action-oriented framework to inspire environmental engagement across all levels. Its founding document, titled "Playing for Nature: The Most Powerful Offense and Defense Against the Climate Crisis', presents scientific insights into sports' vulnerability to climate change and highlights its potential to generate lasting positive impact. UNEP views sports as a powerful tool to raise environmental awareness and promote more sustainable consumption patterns. Through efforts like the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework and Sports for Nature, UNEP helps sports institutions reduce their carbon footprint, integrate sustainability into operations, empower athletes as environmental ambassadors, and boost community engagement through awareness campaigns. From Environmental Burden to Lasting Legacy UNEP stresses that integrating environmental considerations into every stage of event planning — from inception to delivery — can transform major tournaments from ecological liabilities into sustainable legacies. Recommended measures include: Building energy-efficient stadiums with green roofs Using natural cooling systems Protecting surrounding ecosystems Sourcing local food Reducing waste and packaging Offsetting emissions through nature-based solutions (e.g., reforestation) Educating fans before, during, and after events Inspiring Practices and Replicable Experiences Promising examples of green sports initiatives include: Paris 2024's €1.5 billion investment to clean the Seine River, making it swimmable for the first time in 50 years. World Rugby's 10-point environmental action plan, now being implemented in clubs across Europe and the Pacific. Additionally, UNEP supports continuous public education on key issues such as: Low-impact travel Plastic-free stadiums Local food consumption Responsible waste management A Roadmap for a Climate-Resilient Sports Future As part of its "Sports for Nature' initiative, UNEP is developing a practical roadmap with actionable recommendations for countries and sports federations, including: Establishing a baseline for emissions Setting science-based reduction targets Shifting to renewable energy Developing sustainable transport Designing long-term, eco-conscious facilities Avoiding construction in ecologically sensitive areas Supporting ecosystem restoration As the climate crisis unfolds, sports face a decisive choice: stand on the sidelines, or become a leading force for climate action. The stakes are high, but so is the potential. Through science, planning, and global cooperation, sports can transform from a climate casualty to a beacon of sustainability.
Al Anbat News
20-06-2025
- Business
- Al Anbat News
Gold Prices Soar to Unprecedented Heights Amid Global Instability
الأنباط - "Gold Prices Soar to Unprecedented Heights Amid Global Instability" Recently, gold has experienced significant fluctuations in its prices due to ongoing economic and political changes both regionally and globally. Gold prices have been heavily influenced by global inflation, monetary policies implemented by central banks, as well as political tensions and wars, which have led to an increase in demand for gold as a safe haven. Additionally, investment funds and central banks have played a prominent role in driving prices higher. Saleem Dheeb, Secretary-General of the Jewelers' Syndicate, spoke to Al-Anbat, stating: "As inflation rises, the value of gold increases as a safe haven against the erosion of the purchasing power of currencies. Consequently, gold has become a crucial refuge for investors who are looking to preserve their wealth amid the ongoing rise in prices." He pointed out that global deficits and high debt, along with interest rates on the U.S. dollar, have contributed to the surge in gold prices, explaining that whenever interest rates are reduced, gold prices directly increase. This is due to a decrease in returns on U.S. dollar investments, prompting investors to turn to gold as a safer alternative. Dheeb continued: "Since gold is priced in dollars, any decline in the dollar's purchasing power leads to a rise in gold prices against the dollar. This depreciation of the dollar contributes to the increased demand for gold, thereby pushing its prices higher." He noted that one of the key factors contributing to the rise in gold prices has been the continuous effort of investment funds and central banks to increase their gold reserves, creating pressure on supply and further driving up prices. Dheeb further explained that the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy has been caught between two difficult choices: either raise interest rates to curb inflation, which could lead to increased unemployment and a decrease in durable goods sales, or lower interest rates, which would lead to a rise in gold prices. He also emphasized that economic decisions made by the U.S. administration under President Trump significantly contributed to the rise in gold prices, particularly with changes in policies such as raising tariffs, followed by President Trump's visit to the Middle East, which brought some stability to gold prices. However, with the ongoing Gaza conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and Israel's entry into a war with Iran, gold prices have once again experienced extreme volatility. On the other hand, Dheeb highlighted the impact of global prices on the local market in Jordan, where pricing starts from the global price and is then adjusted based on local supply and demand. He added that demand for gold in Jordan has shifted this year, with investment purchases surpassing those for jewelry. The market has seen an increase in demand for gold ounces and liras, particularly after the price of an ounce rose by more than 30% in one year. He mentioned that the Jewelers' Syndicate has kept up with price fluctuations by issuing daily bulletins on changes in global prices. The Syndicate also allowed the production of 14-karat gold in an effort to offer an option more suited to the financial capabilities of citizens, while closely monitoring local markets in collaboration with the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization. Mohammad Al-Hroub, a trader, stated that the rise in global gold prices has become extreme, especially given the ongoing wars between Russia and Ukraine, the Gaza conflict in the Middle East, and the recent war between Iran and Israel, along with the continuous political tensions in the region. He also pointed out that China has been buying large quantities of gold as a safe haven, adding economic weight. He observed the confusion and anxiety evident in the actions of local citizens, as the vast majority are now buying gold as a store of wealth rather than for decoration. This shift has led to an increase in demand for both the Rasheed and English gold liras, as well as ounces. Many people have also opted to sell their existing gold and jewelry in order to make substantial profits compared to gold prices from previous years. Al-Hroub noted that local traders and gold markets have adapted by offering lower-karat gold jewelry, such as 14-karat gold, and smaller weights, making it more affordable for citizens, especially those preparing for marriage. He emphasized that many young couples are now unable to afford the traditional wedding jewelry, known as "the bride's dowry," which is a crucial part of Jordanian marriage customs. In conclusion, gold prices remain susceptible to ongoing fluctuations due to global political and economic events. Despite the challenges facing gold markets, this precious metal will continue to be one of the safest havens sought by individuals and institutions during times of crisis. It is expected that gold price volatility will continue based on changes in monetary policy and global geopolitical factors, making it crucial for investors, traders, and citizens to closely monitor these developments.
