Climate crisis: Athletes directly impacted by climate change, World Athletics finds - BBC Sport

World Athletics had to change its schedule at the World Championships in Budapest this summer because of the extreme heat Three-quarters of athletes have been directly impacted by climate change, a survey by World Athletics has found. Athletes highlighted negative effects on performance and health, with 85% saying the sport in general has suffered because of the climate crisis. The survey also revealed 90% of those questioned believe the sport's governing body could also help to build a more sustainable future. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said the concerns are "loud and clear". Nearly 400 athletes who competed at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August took part in what is the organisation's third annual survey. Lord Coe added: "Our athletes continue to speak clearly about the impacts that the climate crisis is having on their lives and on their sport. "It's important for us to continue to act on those concerns and use the influence we have to help drive meaningful change." Last week, YouGov figures showed nearly two-thirds of those who play or watch golf have experienced extreme weather associated with climate change in the past year. The survey demonstrated how grassroots sports have struggled to thrive in conditions such as flooding. World Athletics' 2023 results are an increase on last year's survey, when 72% believed climate change had negatively affected the sport and 66% reported a direct impact. Athletes also raised the issue of air pollution, with 83% saying they were very concerned. The survey is to coincide with the start of the COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which begins in Dubai on 30 November. Next year, World Athletics is implementing a scheme to improve sustainability at its events, while another initiative launched in 2022 has athletes act as green champions to highlight issues. British Athletics World Athletics McCullum wants to stay as England coach Premier League reaction: Man Utd lose Fernandes to injury as inconsistent form continues 'Incredible' Rice is 'future captain of England' - Rooney Preview the return of The Night Manager Matt Lucas, Nick Mohammed and Sara Pascoe invent new festive words Iconic midfielder Yaya Toure speaks to Kelly Somers Kate Winslet shares her Desert Island Discs Explaining Celtic manager Nancy's 'unusual' tactics 'Incredible' Rice is 'future captain of England' - Rooney Stunning Rogers double secures Villa win over Man Utd. Video Stunning Rogers double secures Villa win over Man Utd Booze, beach, beaten - how England lost the Ashes The striker from England's eighth tier hoping to face Salah at Afcon 'Bazball as we knew it is in the skip - but McCullum has England future' 'Test career over for now?' - Ashes player ratings Top and bottom at Christmas - what does it mean? The 10 moments that decided the Ashes Joshua and Paul earn riches but deliver budget sporting spectacle The Ashes: England's belated resistance ends as Australia retain the Ashes. Audio The Ashes: England's belated resistance ends as Australia retain the Ashes England's X-factor has 'hill to climb' - will Palmer go to World Cup? McIlroy crowned Sports Personality of the Year. Video McIlroy crowned Sports Personality of the Year Europe's Ryder Cup winners named Team of The Year. Video Europe's Ryder Cup winners named Team of The Year I've realised I can make a difference - Hoy Active aero and overtake mode - F1's new terminology How the Prem transfer market got hot The man behind the headlines - Salah, by Klopp, Diaz and more Copyright 2025 BBC.