Sports & Climate Change Impacts and Responsibilities: Implications for Southeast Asia

Author: Saittawut Yutthaworakool

Sport in Southeast Asia faces a defining moment as climate change increasingly disrupts athletes, communities, and major tournaments. Rising temperatures, worsening air quality, and more frequent extreme weather threaten both health and fair play, while the events themselves, through travel, energy use, construction, and waste, intensify the crisis. From athletes competing in 40 °C heat to typhoons and pollution disrupting past regional events, the warning signs are undeniable. Without change, the region’s sporting future will become more dangerous and less equitable. Yet sport also holds enormous potential to lead climate action. By integrating sustainability into every aspect of competition through shaded venues, clean transport, renewable energy, and zero-waste policies, Southeast Asia can protect its athletes, inspire its fans, and transform its stadiums into platforms for environmental leadership and collective resilience.