COP29 Global Innovation Hub – The outdoor and sport industry as a leading climate solution provider: A path towards flourishing lives and gigatons of avoided emissions
This COP29 session followed up the launch at last year's COP28. It presents the findings from leading outdoor and sport companies. The session introduces a four-step assessment approach for the outdoor/sport sector – product, system (wardrobe), delivery on human needs, and policy/value changes. It presents initial numbers indicating the potential for the outdoor/sport sector to deliver solutions on the gigaton scale.
The session started with Dennis Pamlin providing an overview of some of the key data from the report that will be released early 2025, including the potential to deliver solutions on the gigaton scale. He also presented the four-step approach that was used for the assessment.
Diana Urge-Vorsatz, who is leading the work with IPCCs special report on cities highlighted the important role the outdoor/sport industry can play and encouraged all interested to engage in the development of the special report.
Pourya Salehi from ICLEI highlighted how the outdoor and sport could play a key role in cities as they are expanding their climate and innovation agendas. Pourya also offered to coordinate input to the IPCC special report.
Massamba Thioye from UNFCCC explained that the outdoor and sport sector is leading the way towards a human needs driven climate innovation agenda.
Simon Hartwell Christensen presented a number of initiatives from Silkeborg Municipality that wants be an “outdoor capital”, including how they plan for schools that have sport and outdoor integrated in planning from the beginning.
Christiane Ferreira from Belem in Brazil, the host of hashtag#COP30, welcomed the outdoor and sport as climate solution provider and invited all interested to a process that can make COP30 the first COP with a clear solution agenda.
David Ekelund from Icebug AB presented their approach that put people and planet before profit, and how they are working to develop a receipt for the 21st century and spread the idea of mandatory outdoor opportunities at work.
Ben Blischke from INTERSPORT Group presented a repair approach with a focus on empowering citizens and building value beyond a traditional product approach.
Marie-Laure Piednoir presented a number of initiatives, including a world leading initiative for inclusion including special outdoor adventure equipment for amputees.
Finally, Emma P. (Mason) Zwiebler from World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) presented their collaboration with World Health Organization to improve global health through increased physical activity and sports participation. She also highlighted the urgent need for the outdoor and sport industry to be an active voice in key processes where they can have a positive impact.