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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on the Associated Press or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: FIFA faces growing pressure to reconsider its World Cup calendar due to the escalating risks posed by heat
• Following the recent FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S., scientists and health experts are warning that summer tournaments are increasingly dangerous for players and fans, pushing for a potential shift to winter or cooler regions
• The danger of heat-related illnesses is prompting calls for more drastic changes
🔭 The context: The tradition of holding the World Cup in the Northern Hemisphere summer has persisted since 1930, despite rising global temperatures
• The rate of warming has accelerated since the 1990s, with the U.S. and Europe experiencing more extreme heat in recent years
• This change poses a significant challenge for soccer, where matches are typically held in the hot afternoon, risking severe health impacts like heatstroke for players and spectators
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: With increasing global temperatures, the scheduling of high-intensity outdoor events like the World Cup in the summer may no longer be sustainable
• Shifting these tournaments to cooler months or regions could help mitigate heat stress but would require complex logistical adjustments, including disruptions to existing sports calendars and competitions
• The future of major sporting events like the World Cup could serve as a bellwether for broader global adaptation to climate change
⏭️ What's next: FIFA will likely face tough decisions on the future timing and locations of its flagship tournament. Potential solutions could involve moving the World Cup to cooler months or adjusting its scheduling to mitigate heat risks
• The 2030 and 2034 World Cups will be pivotal in determining how soccer adapts to climate challenges
• Stakeholders, including FIFA, will need to balance the health of athletes and fans with commercial interests and established broadcasting schedules
💬 One quote: “I'm getting increasingly worried that we are only one heatwave away from a sporting tragedy and I would like to see governing bodies lean into the climate and health science.” — Prof. Piers Forster, Priestley Centre for Climate Futures, Leeds, UK
📈 One stat: The global summer period (June, July, August) has warmed by 1.05°C (1.89°F) since 1930, with European temperatures rising by 1.81°C, highlighting the rapid acceleration of climate change
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