Wimbledon and World Surfing League announce environmental ventures

As the collective signed onto the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change grows, more and more sporting bodies are committing to integrating sustainable environmental initiatives into their practices. The most recent additions to make the pledge are the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the World Surf League.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has become the latest major sporting body to commit to the United Nations’ Sports for Climate Action Framework, while the World Surf League (WSL) has launched a series of sustainability commitments that it says will set a new standard for global professional sports.

By joining the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the AELTC pledges to implement the principles enshrined in the Sports for Climate Action Framework and commits to working collaboratively with its peers and relevant stakeholders to develop, implement and enhance the climate action agenda within the sport industry.

Richard Lewis, Chief Executive of the AELTC, said: “We believe that Wimbledon, along with other major events, has a vital role to play in helping to protect the environment, today and for the future, and we are proud to be a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.”

The AELTC announced in 2018 that protecting the environment was a significant focus as part of the development of its sustainability goals and objectives. It has started to make some progress through: the sourcing of renewable electricity, the removal of unnecessary plastic from its operation such as plastic straws and plastic bags for racket stringing, the launch of a new 100% recycled, recyclable water bottle in partnership with Evian, the use of recycled plastic for furniture, trialling electric cars in its courtesy car fleet and the launch of a public educational activation area to highlight the possibilities of a greener future.

AELTC last month revealed some sustainability plans as part of a wider announcement addressing the future of Wimbledon.

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa said: “High-profile sporting events such as Wimbledon are uniquely placed to advocate for and drive global change. I am pleased that Wimbledon has chosen to use its global leadership position to help us address the world’s greatest challenge: climate change.”

Other notable signatories to the framework to date include the IOC, Roland-Garros, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024, FIFA, Formula E and the USTA.