UTSNZ have tied up with Sport for Climate Action Change aiming to reduce carbon emissions ©USTNZ

University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) have tied up with Sport for Climate Action Change aiming to reduce carbon emissions.

Launched by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Sport for Climate Action Change brings together sports organisations and athletes from around the world to help address climate change.

"With the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events seen in New Zealand and worldwide in these past months, the only conclusion is that sustainability is no longer a choice but a must," said UTSNZ executive director Sarah Anderson.

"It is also of significant importance to our New Zealand universities, the majority of whom have sustainability policies of their own, which set out a clear vision and set of principles to guide their actions in supporting sustainability and improving their environmental performance.

"Becoming a signatory of the Sports for Climate Action Framework is a first important step.

"Alongside this we have incorporated sustainability and climate action into our business KPIs, aligning with key strategic objectives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals."

A lot of importance was given to sustainability during the Lake Placid 2023 Winter World University Games in January this year ©FISU
A lot of importance was given to sustainability during the Lake Placid 2023 Winter World University Games in January this year ©FISU

Anderson also added the university sport governing body is looking to collaborate with the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and other International Federations to "drive global climate action".

The UTSNZ has pledged to promote greater environmental responsibility within the university and tertiary sports community after joining the initiative.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable and responsible consumption and production, advocating for climate action through communication and education and promoting sustainable and nature-based solutions are among the five pillars undertaken by UTSNZ as part of the initiative.

"Sport in general, can play a key role in the process raising awareness, influencing behaviour, and shrinking its carbon footprint," Anderson continued.

"University sport in particular, can also play an important role in educating and working with the next generation of leaders within sport to champion and inspire change.

"A key objective will be to raise awareness among our participants and partners to inspire them to increase their own climate ambition."