The recent upheaval in college athletics, marked by the departure of UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Stanford from the Pac-12 conference, has sent shockwaves through the sports world. These universities’ decisions to join other conferences in pursuit of lucrative TV deals have not only reshaped the collegiate sports landscape but also have significant environmental implications. The shift has led to longer travel distances for teams, particularly in football, resulting in increased carbon emissions from air travel. This unintended consequence highlights the intricate connections between seemingly unrelated decisions and the global climate crisis.
Payless Power, a Texas-based electric company, conducted an analysis of the carbon footprints of college football teams in the major conferences, often referred to as the “Power Four.” Their findings revealed that between the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Stanford experienced the largest increase in emissions, while UCLA had the highest overall carbon footprint among university football programs, followed closely by Berkeley and Stanford. These figures underscore the profound impact of travel-related emissions on the environment. However, it’s important to note that universities are not climate villains; reducing emissions from air travel is a complex challenge, especially when balancing the demands of competitive athletics and the need to minimize environmental impact.
The broader implications of this issue extend beyond college sports. Climate change is increasingly intertwining with the sports world, as evident in the disruption of events by extreme weather conditions. Hurricane Milton’s destruction of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, is a stark reminder of how global warming intensifies natural disasters, posing threats to sports infrastructure and schedules. Additionally, the Olympic Games and the World Cup are grappling with the challenges of rising temperatures, which affect both athlete performance and spectator safety. A study from Queen’s University Belfast warned that nearly 90% of 2026 World Cup host cities, including Los Angeles, could face extreme heat risks, further emphasizing the need for climate action in sports.
Sports organizations are beginning to acknowledge the role they can play in addressing the climate crisis. Environmental initiatives in sports have traditionally focused on improving public image and cost savings through efficiency, but there is growing recognition of the sector’s potential to drive meaningful climate progress. Leagues and teams are increasingly measuring and reporting their carbon emissions, with some exploring innovative solutions such as scheduling changes to reduce travel. However, the challenges of reducing aviation emissions are significant. Electric passenger jets are not yet viable due to battery weight issues, and sustainable aviation fuels offer only partial solutions. Carbon offsets, while well-intentioned, often fund unrelated projects with uncertain effectiveness.
The cultural influence of sports presents a unique opportunity to raise awareness and drive action on climate change. Athletes, coaches, and owners have the capacity to inspire millions, making their engagement in environmental efforts crucial. While universities are unlikely to base conference affiliations on carbon accounting, they can take steps to mitigate the environmental impact of their decisions, such as investing in emissions-reduction projects or exploring alternative travel options. Seth Wynes, a University of Waterloo professor, emphasizes the importance of implementing easy, pollution-reducing changes to schedules. However, institutions like Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCLA have been tight-lipped about their efforts to address emissions, leaving questions about their commitment to sustainability unanswered.
The intersection of sports and climate change is not just about numbers; it’s about people. Whether it’s athletes enduring extreme heat, fans facing health risks, or communities losing homes to wildfires, the human dimension of this issue is profound. Activists are leveraging sports to draw attention to the climate crisis, as seen in protests against oil company sponsorships and campaigns urging teams to adopt sustainable practices. The Super Bowl ad by Science Moms, which juxtaposed climate urgency with the immediacy of a child’s growth, is a powerful example of using sports as a platform for environmental advocacy. As the climate crisis deepens, the sports world must continue to evolve, embracing its role as a catalyst for change and ensuring that the thrill of competition does not come at the expense of the planet.
Ultimately, the money and influence within sports create both a responsibility and an opportunity to lead on climate issues. By prioritizing sustainability and leveraging their cultural impact, sports organizations can set an example for other industries and inspire fans to take action. The challenge is clear: the climate crisis will not pause for the next big game or championship season. It’s time for the sports world to step up, not just to protect the games we love, but to help ensure a livable future for all.
