How is Sports Taking Center Stage at IMT Ghaziabad’s Climate 11 Summit?

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How is Sports Taking Center Stage at IMT Ghaziabad’s Climate 11 Summit?

Synopsis

At IMT Ghaziabad's Climate 11 Summit, the intersection of sports and climate change took center stage. This pioneering event showcased how the sports industry can lead the charge in sustainability, featuring expert insights and resolutions aimed at making a tangible impact on environmental issues. Discover how athletes can shape a greener future.

Key Takeaways

  • IMT Ghaziabad hosted India's first sports-centered climate summit.
  • Athletes can lead the way in sustainability efforts.
  • Collaboration between academia, business, and sports is essential.
  • Key resolutions include building eco-friendly sports infrastructure.
  • Empowering youth to engage in sports and conservation is crucial.

Ghaziabad, Sep 2 (NationPress) As extreme weather occurrences such as floods and heatwaves impact the nation, IMT Ghaziabad convened the Climate 11 Summit, marking India’s inaugural initiative aimed at leveraging sports to combat climate change.

The summit emphasized the crucial role of sports in climate action, illustrating how athletes, federations, and the broader industry can emerge as global champions for sustainability.

Opening the event, Atish Chattopadhyay, director of IMT Ghaziabad, asserted the institute’s dedication to addressing environmental issues through collaborations among academia, business, and sports.

Led by Kanishka Pandey, Head of the Centre for Sports Research, the sessions highlighted the interconnectedness of sports, society, and the climate. “Integrating environmental concerns into the identity of sports will not only preserve the integrity of sports but also safeguard lives, communities, and future generations,” he remarked.

The discussions featured influential figures from the global sports arena. Acclaimed author David Goldblatt cautioned that escalating climate crises could jeopardize the future of sports. Piara Power, Trustee of the Chelsea Football Club Foundation, stressed the importance of utilizing the extensive reach of sports to enhance climate awareness. Arhan Bagati, founder of the Bridging Gaps Foundation, called on the youth to engage in conservation through sports, while Shaji Prabhakaran of the Asian Football Confederation and Neeraj Jha, Head of Sports at Warner Bros., contributed valuable insights.

The summit concluded with pivotal resolutions aimed at establishing sports as a transformative force in climate action. Initiatives included forming a global knowledge network connecting sports organizations with academic institutions and experts, constructing eco-friendly stadiums and infrastructures, promoting climate education at the grassroots level, channeling green finance into the industry, and positioning India as a worldwide leader in blending sustainability with sports.

Point of View

I see IMT Ghaziabad’s Climate 11 Summit as a pivotal moment for both sports and environmental advocacy. The collaborative spirit between academia, sports, and business can lead to innovative approaches to combat climate change. This summit not only highlights the urgency of the matter but also empowers the sports community to take actionable steps toward sustainability.
NationPress
02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Climate 11 Summit?
The Climate 11 Summit is an initiative hosted by IMT Ghaziabad that focuses on how sports can contribute to combating climate change.
Who are some key speakers at the summit?
Notable speakers included David Goldblatt, Piara Power, Arhan Bagati, Shaji Prabhakaran, and Neeraj Jha.
What were the main resolutions from the summit?
Key resolutions included creating a global knowledge network, building green stadiums, promoting climate education, and ensuring India emerges as a leader in sustainability in sports.
How can sports influence climate awareness?
Sports organizations have a vast reach and can leverage their platforms to raise awareness about climate issues and inspire action.
What role does youth play in climate action through sports?
Youth are encouraged to engage in conservation efforts through sports, fostering a culture of sustainability among future generations.