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Heat and health: This is how we protect ourselves from the risks of climate change
Climate change increases health risks in outdoor sports. Learn how athletes can protect themselves from extreme conditions.
Heat and health: This is how we protect ourselves from the risks of climate change
The challenges for female athletes in the heat
The health risks posed by climate change cannot be underestimated, especially for female athletes who have to compete in extreme weather conditions. These risks relate not only to changes in temperature, but also to the increase in extreme weather and UV radiation.
Extreme conditions at the women's marathon
A striking example is the World Athletics Championships in September 2019 in Doha, Qatar. The competitions took place there under climatic conditions that were unfamiliar to many. Despite the late start time of the women's marathon race surrounded by darkness, the temperature rose to 32.9 degrees Celsius and the humidity exceeded 73 percent. This combination presented an immense challenge for the athletes.
An alarming dropout rate
The extreme weather conditions meant that almost 44 percent of the athletes had to stop the marathon early. This is an alarming number that points to the health risks that climate change poses to sporting events. Many athletes are not prepared for such warm, humid conditions, which endangers their performance and ultimately their health.
Health protection through prevention
It is important to take preventive measures to protect athletes more effectively against the challenges of climate change. This includes, for example, adapted training plans, sufficient hydration and taking weather forecasts into account. Protection against UV radiation should also be an integral part of strategic planning for sporting events.
Impact on future events
The incidents in Doha also shed light on a broader trend – the need to rethink host cities and schedules for sporting events. Events should be planned not only from a sporting perspective, but also taking climatic conditions into account. In the long term, this could help protect the health of athletes and maintain the attractiveness of sporting events.
Conclusion
The challenges posed by climate change not only affect the environment, but also the personal health of athletes. A critical examination of the circumstances and early adaptation to the new conditions are necessary in order to secure the future of the sport and enable athletes to compete safely.