The New York Yankees has become the first major North American team to join the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
It joins several well-known international sports organisations, including the International Olympic Committee, FIFA, UEFA, World Surf League and Formula E, as well as upcoming sporting events such as the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and the Rugby League World Cup 2021.
Launched by UN Climate Change in December 2018, the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework encourages sports organisations to reduce their emissions while at the same time inspire others to take ambitious climate action.
More specifically, signatories to the framework commit to undertake systemic efforts to promote greater environmental responsibility, reduce their overall climate impact, educate for climate action, promote sustainable and responsible consumption, and advocate for climate action through communication. They use sport as a unifying force to drive climate awareness and action.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the decision by perhaps the world’s most famous baseball club to join the international climate action team.
“With their rich winning tradition, the Yankees bring a new level of leadership to global efforts to tackle climate change,” said the UN head. “When it comes to safeguarding our future, it’s time to play ball.
His comments were echoed by UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa, who called the Yankees a “legendary club with its legions of passionate fans”.
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