Renowned Australian Rugby Legend Warns of Climate Change Threat
Renowned Australian rugby legend David Pocock has issued a stark warning about the devastating impact of climate change on the game of rugby. The caution comes as World Rugby, the global governing body, has released a groundbreaking report highlighting the future threats facing the sport due to rising global temperatures.
Coinciding with World Environment Day on June 5th, the ‘Rugby and Climate Change’ report, based on scientific evidence from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and input from climate and sports experts, details the specific challenges confronting 10 rugby-playing nations. These include:
- A surge in extreme heat
- Droughts
- Heavy rainfall
- Flash floods
- Increased humidity levels
“Climate change is no longer a future threat to our communities. It’s already here,” emphasizes Pocock, who earned 83 caps for the Wallabies and has long been a vocal advocate for climate action in Australia.
The report outlines that one in 10 of the major stadiums worldwide will face an annual submersion risk, with iconic venues such as Gloucester’s Kingsholm, Optus Stadium in Perth, and HFC Bank Stadium in Suva among those at risk. Additionally, five of the 14 major venues in New Zealand, including Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, are also under threat.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has urged global rugby stakeholders to “come together to protect the essence of our beloved sport,” a sentiment echoed by Pocock, who warns that “no part of our sport will remain untouched” by the impacts of climate change.
The report concludes with six recommendations, calling for all rugby stakeholders to:
- Develop and implement plans to reduce the sport’s environmental impact
- Engage in climate change action at the local level
- Conduct research into adapting and modifying the game to enhance its resilience
As the rugby community confronts the stark realities outlined in this landmark report, the message is clear: the time for action is now, as the future of the game we love hangs in the balance.
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