(ATR) The IAAF and Tokyo 2020 announce efforts to reduce the impact of future events on the environment.
In partnership with the United Nations, IAAF announced the creation of an air quality monitoring network, with the help of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, which will connect nearly 1,000 tracks around the world.
The network will provide runners with optimal running times in cities, while the partnership with UN Environment will use air quality data to study its impact on quality of life and athlete performance. IAAF plans to work with local and national governments to better understand the effects of air quality and will start a global campaign for clean air.
Nearly 91 percent of the world’s population lives in places where air quality does not meet the guidelines established by the World Health Organization. Eight million deaths per year are attributed to air pollution, according to WHO.
"We are delighted to join forces with UN Environment to raise awareness and collect data that will enable our athletes and communities around the world to help tackle this silent killer," said IAAF president Sebastian Coe in a statement.
"We hope that governments, community leaders and the public take a greater interest in what affects every breath they take."
IAAF says it is also committed to reducing plastics at future events, asking member federations to do the same.
Tokyo 2020 Asks Public to Report Sustainability Violations
Tokyo 2020 created a form to report any claims of non-compliance in relation to their Sustainability Sourcing Code. Every grievance will be investigated in a process similar to one used by London 2012. Tokyo 2020 will also create an external advisory panel to ensure cases are handled properly.
The Sustainability Sourcing Code outlines environmental measures to be implemented for the Olympic Games. Three progress reports will be published to evaluate the success of the Code. Tokyo 2020 plans to become a learning legacy for future Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as any other efforts to achieve sustainable development.
The form for reporting claims is available on the Tokyo 2020 website.Claims are accepted through email or post.
The Tokyo 2020 Sustainability Sourcing Code can be accessed here.
Written by Jeffrey Farek
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