Pragnya Mohan advocates for climate action through sports at COP29

At the recent COP29 - the United Nations Climate Change Conference - in Baku, Azerbaijan, Pragnya Mohan - India’s leading triathlete - made a case for the power of sports in addressing the climate crisis.

The event, which concluded on November 24, saw the UN agree on a plan to allocate $300 billion annually by 2035 to help developing countries reduce emissions and protect livelihoods from climate impacts.

While the agreement fell short of Pragnya’s expectations, she believes it lays a foundation for further progress.

Pragnya, known for her achievements in triathlon, was one of the few athletes to speak on the intersection of sports and climate action at the summit.

'Sports invaluable in tackling climate crisis'

She emphasised the power of sports to unite people and drive global change.

“One of the first things when I started using the platform to speak about the climate crisis was to understand why sports must speak out,” she told The Bridge.

“Sports has billions of fans, and it is one of the few institutions where there is still public trust. When Ronaldo moved the Coca-Cola bottle at a press conference, it led to a drop in the company’s shares - that is the kind of power sports holds,” she added.

She believes that if sports can influence millions, it has the potential to change public behaviour and attitudes towards critical global issues like climate change.

“Sports can teach resilience, perseverance, and teamwork - lessons that are invaluable in tackling the climate crisis,” Pragnya said. “This is the biggest crisis humanity has ever faced, and we need to act as a global team. Sports teaches us how to work together towards a single goal, and that’s what we need for climate action.”

Drawing from her experience, she also pointed out how sports organisations can contribute.

Pragnya highlighted the United Nations’ “Sports for Climate Action” framework, which encourages sports federations to adopt sustainable practices like recycling, reusing, and reducing waste.

Sustainable future

“Paris 2024 is a great example, as they are reusing existing venues to reduce the environmental impact,” she noted.

“In India, we have the National Games, which could similarly reduce environmental footprints by using pre-existing facilities for athletes' accommodation rather than building new ones.”

In the triathlon, Pragnya sees several opportunities for reducing waste.

“During triathlons, we are handed plastic water bottles during the running leg. These could easily be replaced by reusable cups that athletes can recycle,” she suggested.

She also believes that athletes should be educated about climate action. “Many athletes want to speak out, but they lack knowledge. Sports federations can play a major role in raising awareness among athletes about the climate crisis and encouraging them to use their voices for change.”

Local actions for global problems

Addressing the challenges of climate change in India, especially in heavily polluted cities like Delhi, Pragnya proposed local solutions.

“Cycling and running are sustainable forms of transport, but in cities like Delhi, where air quality is dangerously low, it's not safe for athletes to train outside,” she explained.

“The sporting community can help by advocating for cleaner environments and influencing people to use alternatives like cycling instead of driving," Pragnya added.

However, she also acknowledged that the government must take a more active role in solving these issues. “The government needs to find solutions to pollution, but as athletes, we must use our platforms to raise awareness.”

Pragnya also sees the potential for grassroots initiatives to make a difference.

“I think local cleanup drives, like the ones organized by NGOs in Mumbai, could be a great way for the sports community to send a strong message about climate action,” she said.

“The ripple effect of people participating in such events could inspire them to take action in their own lives," she added.

She also suggested that sports federations in India could take a stand by refusing fossil fuel sponsorships. “Fossil fuels are the biggest contributors to carbon emissions. Sports organizations should refuse sponsorships from fossil fuel companies to keep the industry clean and contribute to a sustainable future.”

Personal commitment to sustainability

Pragnya also shared some of the personal steps she takes to reduce her own carbon footprint.

“I try to reuse my sporting gear as much as possible, including secondhand running shoes and bikes,” she said.

“I also make a conscious effort to avoid plastic in my daily life. I’m working on offsetting my carbon emissions through carbon credits, and I don’t own a car. I cycle everywhere.” Her commitment to sustainability reflects her belief that every individual, including athletes, can make a difference.

In closing, Mohan urged young athletes to take responsibility for the planet’s future. “As athletes, we have a responsibility to not just be champions in our sport, but also champions for the environment,” she said.

“It starts with small steps, but together, we can make a big impact,” she signed off.