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UNEP: Sports Must Be Either a Climate Ally or Risk Becoming One of Its Major Casualties
UNEP: Sports Must Be Either a Climate Ally or Risk Becoming One of Its Major Casualties

Al Anbat News

time2 days ago

  • 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.

Microplastics and the South African health crisis no one's talking about
Microplastics and the South African health crisis no one's talking about

Zawya

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • Zawya

Microplastics and the South African health crisis no one's talking about

According to a 2023 UNEP report, the world produces 430 million tonnes of plastic annually, and 280 million tonnes of it become waste after just one use. Only 9% of discarded plastic is recycled, with over 22% mismanaged, primarily through open burning and uncontrolled dumping[1]. In South Africa, approximately 120 million tons of general waste is generated each year, exacerbating the pressure on the ability of municipalities to manage waste[2]. Fortis X is the only company in Africa that offers bottles and other products produced solely from plants, which are fully biodegradable within 2 months. South Africa is facing a growing environmental and public health challenge from microplastics (tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size) that pervade our water, soil and food supply. Recent studies reveal alarming statistics: over 80% of South African freshwater sources contain microplastic contamination, with concentrations reaching up to 10,000 particles per cubic meter in some urban rivers. Coastal surveys show microplastics in over 90% of sampled beach sediments, threatening marine ecosystems and entering the seafood chain. This problem is compounded by South Africa's high plastic consumption and limited recycling infrastructure, leading to widespread plastic pollution. As plastics degrade, they fragment into microplastics, which are virtually impossible to remove from the environment and can persist for decades. 'Everyday plastic waste, such as bags, bottles and packaging, often ends up in landfills, waterways and the environment, due to inadequate waste management. In addition, urban stormwater runoff carries tire dust, synthetic clothing fibres, and plastic litter into rivers and oceans,' notes Nicholas De Beer, Director of Fortis X. 'Wastewater treatment plants, many of which are outdated or under-resourced, struggle to filter out microplastics from domestic and industrial sources. Additionally, lost or discarded fishing gear along South Africa's coastline contributes significantly to marine microplastic pollution, ultimately seeping into the food chain,' adds De Beer. Microplastics are not just an environmental nuisance, they pose real risks to human health. Globally, individuals are estimated to consume between 11,845 and 193,200 microplastic particles per year, with drinking water identified as the primary source. The toxicity of microplastics stems from both their inherent properties and their ability to interact with other pollutants, such as heavy metals[3]. Scientific research increasingly links microplastic ingestion and inhalation to a range of health issues: Chemical exposure: Microplastics often carry toxic additives like phthalates, BPA, and heavy metals, which can leach into food and beverages, disrupting endocrine functions and increasing cancer risks. Immune system impact: Studies show microplastics can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially impairing immune responses. Bioaccumulation: Microplastics accumulate in the human body over time, with recent findings detecting microplastics in blood, lungs, and even placentas, raising concerns about long-term effects on development and reproduction. Food safety: In South Africa, where bottled water and packaged beverages are widely consumed, microplastic contamination directly threatens consumer health. 'These tiny particles are increasingly being found in drinking water, food, and even the air—raising serious questions about long-term health impacts. Studies suggest that microplastics can carry toxic chemicals, including endocrine disruptors and heavy metals, which may leach into the body once ingested or inhaled. Once inside, microplastics have been shown to trigger inflammation, disrupt cellular processes, and potentially accumulate in organs, though the full extent of harm is still under investigation,' De Beer explains, adding 'given these risks, reducing exposure to microplastics is a critical public health priority'. While conventional plastics are designed to be durable, they degrade into tiny fragments over time rather than fully breaking down. These microplastics persist in the environment, absorbing toxins and entering food chains through marine and freshwater organisms. 'Says De Beer, 'The cumulative effect of these sources is a growing environmental and health concern, especially as plastic use continues to outpace the development of sustainable waste solutions'. Fortis X, a South African sustainable packaging and medical products manufacturer, is addressing this urgent problem head-on. By producing biodegradable bottles and closures made entirely from plant-based, sugarcane-derived materials, Fortis X eliminates the primary source of microplastic contamination in food and beverages: conventional plastic packaging. Fortis X's bio-based packaging releases no harmful plastic additives into consumables, ensuring safer drinking water and beverages free from microplastic-related toxins. 'Our bottles biodegrade completely within just two months when placed in compost, leaving no harmful residues behind. Because they break down naturally and fully into organic matter, they never fragment into smaller plastic pieces like conventional plastics do', notes De Beer. Unlike traditional plastics that fragment into microplastics, Fortis X's materials fully biodegrade within months under composting conditions, preventing environmental accumulation and fragmentation into microplastics. Additionally, these bottles are produced without additives or coatings known to shed microplastics, ensuring a clean, plastic-free packaging solution. By replacing fossil-fuel-based plastics with fully compostable, plant-based alternatives, Fortis X is not only protecting consumer health but also championing environmental sustainability: Reduces plastic pollution in South African waterways and soils by eliminating the source of persistent plastic waste. Supports circular economy principles by returning nutrients to the earth rather than polluting it Helps safeguard marine and terrestrial ecosystems from the devastating effects of microplastic contamination Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowering the carbon footprint and supporting South Africa's sustainability goals. Microplastics represent a hidden but escalating threat to South African health and the environment. Fortis X's innovative, 100% plant-based, biodegradable packaging offers a practical, scalable solution that cuts microplastic exposure at the source. By choosing Fortis X products, consumers and businesses can actively participate in reducing microplastic pollution and protecting public health, both today and for generations to come.

Gaza today: under debris and in darkness
Gaza today: under debris and in darkness

France 24

time5 days ago

  • Health
  • France 24

Gaza today: under debris and in darkness

The Israeli army has relentlessly pounded the densely populated territory of 365 square kilometres (141 square miles) in retaliation for Hamas's 2023 attack, which sparked the war and resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people on the Israeli side, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. 53 million tonnes of debris The Israeli military's campaign in Gaza has killed 59,219 people, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The material damage has also been devastating: as of April 4, 2025, the Israeli campaign had destroyed 174,500 buildings, according to UNOSAT, the UN's satellite analysis service. The debris from this destruction is estimated by UNOSAT at 53.5 million tonnes, approximately 10 times the weight of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. On average, this amounts to nearly 146 kilograms of rubble for each square metre of land, according to the UN agency. Prior to the start of the war, there were buildings destroyed by Israel in Gaza. But since October 2023, the destruction represents a mass 18 times greater than all the debris from buildings hit by Israel over the previous 15 years. Asbestos risks According to a publication by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in early July, this mass of debris contains toxic materials likely to expose the Gaza population to health risks. The agency estimates 3.7 tonnes of asbestos from the debris of old buildings and 2.6 tonnes of toxic waste in the debris of former industrial structures. Several refugee camps, such as those in Jabalia, Nuseirat, Maghazi, Khan Yunis and Rafah are located in close proximity to "debris potentially contaminated with asbestos", according to UNEP. Half hospitals 'partially' operational Medical facilities have also suffered extensive damage during bombardments by Israel, which accuses Hamas fighters of using hospitals as shelters or bases to launch attacks. As of June 30, only 18 of the territory's 36 hospitals were "partially" operational, according to the UN. Of 163 healthcare facilities, just 63 (less than 40 percent) were suitable for providing care. Nearly 90 percent of schools damaged School buildings, which have been turned into shelters for the displaced, have also faced heavy damage, with the army accusing Hamas of using them to hide fighters. As of April 1, UNICEF had recorded damage to 501 of the 564 schools it documented, equivalent to nearly 9 out of 10. Of these, 95 were damaged, potentially severely, and 406 were directly hit. Seven times less light Before the conflict, the Gaza Strip was supplied with mains electricity for an average of 12 hours per day, according to figures from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). But in 2024, the power grid was unavailable throughout the day. The territory's only power plant stopped functioning in the early days of the conflict for want of fuel, and the power lines coming from Israel were cut. Together, these two sources had met 43 percent of Gaza's electricity needs before the conflict, leaving the remaining demand unfulfilled. At night, the territory is plunged into darkness. AFP analysed data from NASA's BlackMarble project, which measures radiance (the power of light emission) at the Earth's surface. On average, from January to May 2025, the night-time radiance in the Gaza Strip was reduced by a factor of 7 compared to the five months prior to the start of the conflict (May to September 2023). For Gaza City, it was 16 times lower. Only one area maintained a brightness level comparable to that of the pre-war period: the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land on the Gaza side of the border with Egypt which is entirely controlled by the Israeli military.

Did You Know ‘Desert' Country Saudi Arabia ‘Imports' Sand? Here's Why
Did You Know ‘Desert' Country Saudi Arabia ‘Imports' Sand? Here's Why

News18

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • News18

Did You Know ‘Desert' Country Saudi Arabia ‘Imports' Sand? Here's Why

Last Updated: Saudi Arabia imports sand from other countries because the one found in their desert is not suitable for construction purposes. Did you know that Saudi Arabia, known for its vast desert, imports sand? As ironic as it might sound, it is true. The country imports sand from nations like Australia, China, and Belgium. While this may be confusing for many, the reason behind this is that the sand available in Saudi Arabia is not suitable for construction. As the country continued to work on its Vision 2030 projects, it has seen a significant increase in sand imports. This little-known fact also highlights a larger global problem: high-quality sand for construction is becoming increasingly difficult to find, and there is a growing dependency on outside resources. Let us tell you why desert sand can't be used for construction, about the global sand crisis and its sustainable solutions. Why Desert Sand Isn't Suitable For Construction? Even though deserts are filled with sand as far as the eye can see, the type that is found there is not suitable for construction. Desert sand is usually smooth and round due to the erosion caused by wind over the years, making it unsuitable for use with cement. In construction, rougher and angular grains of sand are used that can bind well with water and cement. This type of sand is usually found on riverbeds, lakes and seabeds. In recent times, Australia has become one of the world's largest suppliers of construction-grade sand. According to the OEC world, the country supplied a total of $273 million worth of sand in 2023, making it the second-largest exporter of sand globally. Saudi Arabia bought $140,000 worth of sand from Australia that year. The Gulf Country has utilised imported sand in some of its largest projects, including The Red Sea Project, NEOM, and Qiddiya. Saudi Arabia Isn't The Only One Importing Sand Besides Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar also import sand for the same reason. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to grow exponentially in recent years, and they require high-quality sand for their tall buildings and modern infrastructure. A report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2024 also highlighted that the rapid growth of the Gulf Countries is leading to a high demand for sand globally. Sand Crisis- The Bigger Problem The dependence on construction-grade sand isn't just limited to Middle Eastern countries. Fifty billion tonnes of sand are used annually worldwide, making it one of the most extracted solid materials, according to a report by UNEP. But only a fraction of it is suitable for construction. In fact, worldwide, there is an increasing scarcity of sand suitable for construction. UNEP has flagged this as a 'sand crisis" and warned that unregulated extraction is resulting in serious environmental degradation, including riverbed erosion, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity. What Are Some Sustainable Solutions To Sand Crisis? To reduce their dependency on natural sand, some countries, including Saudi Arabia, are exploring alternatives like M-sand, or manufactured sand. It is made by crushing rocks to make it suitable for use in construction. Moreover, recycled construction waste is also being repurposed for use as an alternative. But widespread adoption of such alternative solutions might take time. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

95% of Saudi Arabia is covered in sand but it still imports sand from Australia, China, Belgium due to....
95% of Saudi Arabia is covered in sand but it still imports sand from Australia, China, Belgium due to....

India.com

time22-07-2025

  • Business
  • India.com

95% of Saudi Arabia is covered in sand but it still imports sand from Australia, China, Belgium due to....

95% of Saudi Arabia is covered in sand but it still imports sand from Australia, China, Belgium due to.... It might sound strange, but Saudi Arabia a country full of deserts actually imports sand from other countries like Australia, China, and Belgium, according to the OEC (Observatory of Economic Complexity). While this may seem confusing at first, there's a good reason behind it, especially as the country pushes forward with its huge Vision 2030 development plans. Why can't Saudi use its own desert sand? Although deserts are full of sand, this cannot be used for constructions because the sand found in deserts has been shaped by wind for thousands of years, which makes the grains very smooth and round. This type of sand doesn't work well for making concrete, because it doesn't hold together properly when mixed with cement and water. For construction especially for strong buildings, roads, and other big projects rough and angular sand grains are needed and these type of sand are found in riverbeds, lakes, and ocean floors, not deserts. The sharper grains stick together better and make concrete stronger. A bigger problem around the world This situation in Saudi Arabia highlights a bigger global issue: there's a growing shortage of the right kind of sand used for building. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says that the world uses about 50 billion tonnes of sand every year, making it the most-used solid material on Earth. But only a small portion of that sand is actually good enough for construction. So even in a desert country like Saudi Arabia, builders often have to look beyond their borders to get the right kind of sand to meet their needs. Australia's role in supplying sand to Saudi Arabia Australia has become one of the world's top suppliers of high-quality construction and silica sand. According to the OEC, in 2023, Australia exported about USD 273 million worth of sand, making it the second-largest sand exporter globally out of 183 countries. Saudi Arabia was one of the countries that imported this sand. In the same year, Saudi Arabia bought around USD 140,000 worth of natural construction-grade sand from Australia. The topic gained attention again on social media in 2024, especially as Saudi Arabia pushes forward with huge projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya. The Global sand problem The world is running low on the kind of sand needed for building. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned that the planet is facing a 'sand crisis' and the problem comes from uncontrolled sand mining, which is causing serious harm to the environment. Rivers are being eroded, animal habitats are being destroyed, and many natural ecosystems are losing their biodiversity. To solve this, some countries are looking at other options, like: M-sand (manufactured sand) which is made by crushing rocks into fine particles that work well for construction. Recycled construction waste is an old concrete and building materials are being reused to reduce the need for fresh sand.

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