(Hockey News) As a significant advancement in its Sustainability Strategy launched in November of the previous year, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is pleased to announce its participation in the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) ‘Sports for Climate Action Framework’.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram signed the commitment at the IOC Olympic House in Lausanne, in the presence of IOC President Thomas Bach, during the second session of the FIH Executive Board (EB) this year.
By joining the Sports for Climate Action Framework, the FIH demonstrates its dedication to supporting the overarching mission of driving the sports sector towards achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century, aligning with a 1.5°C pathway. The organization commits to the principles and values of the Framework, emphasizing collaboration, education, and advocacy for climate action.
Acknowledging the urgent need for global stakeholders to implement the Paris Agreement and accelerate transformative changes to achieve greenhouse gas emission neutrality in the latter half of the twenty-first century, the FIH endorses the vision outlined in the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram stated, “As an organization that firmly believes in the power of sport to drive positive change in society, the FIH wholeheartedly supports the principles embedded in the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework. We are determined to make a difference in protecting the environment and advancing the climate action agenda among all hockey stakeholders. This has become an integral part of our sports business, particularly in hockey.”
By joining the Framework, the FIH commits to the following:
1. Setting interim and long-term emissions reduction targets, including a minimum of 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and a net-zero emissions target by 2040.
2. Consistently measuring and publicly disclosing its annual climate footprint and progress in reducing emissions.
3. Presenting a concrete plan for achieving net-zero emissions.
4. Communicating this commitment to stakeholders and the general public.
The FIH will implement this commitment through various actions, including:
– Launching a carbon footprint measurement project with support from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Deloitte.
– Supplying a carbon-zero turf for the Paris 2024 Olympic field, where over 60% of the artificial turf will be made from renewable sugar cane materials in partnership with FIH’s partner Polytan.
– Transitioning to “dry” turf for top-level competitions after the Olympic Games Paris 2024, with the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup being the first tournament played on such turf, eliminating the need for watering the fields.
These initiatives showcase the FIH’s dedication to fulfilling its commitment and contributing to the global efforts in combating climate change through sustainable actions in the sport of hockey.
