Climate impacts in sport: extreme heat as a climate hazard and adaptation options

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rationale The aim of this paper is to present research examining how the climate hazard of extreme heat impacts varsity-level sport athletes and facilities, current responses, and options for adaptation. Methods A sample of 30 participants from a higher education institution athletics department was used with a two-phase Delphi study method that applied two iterations of questionnaires and mixed method analysis. The institution was situated in a region with a Köppen classification of “Warm Summer Continental Climate”. Findings Heat hazards aligned primarily with slow-onset, rather than fast-onset, climate impact categories. Adapting to heat hazards aligned with incremental adaptation rather than transformative adaptation. These findings suggest climate adaptation is a new concept for university sport and so is at a pioneering stage of practice. Practical implications Identifies options for sport managers for integrating adaptation into the strategic and operational thinking of sport organizations. Research contribution This paper extends knowledge by presenting evidence of heat risks to the sport as perceived by sport managers and participants during an era of climate change. The results address gaps in the existing literature by using primary source data to add to the evidence base for sport and climate change, and by identifying options for climate adaptation.