Interdependence and influence of outdoor sports facilities on the water cycle

 

ISPO is recognized as a world leader in the organization of trade shows for the outdoor & action sports industry, providing a platform for innovations and exchanges on the future challenges facing our sector. In one of ISPO's latest articles, written by Aude Penouty, water management is addressed as a crucial issue for outdoor brands, especially in the current context of climate change.

 

" The functioning of hydrosystems, eutrophication of water, impact on biodiversity, melting glaciers, artificial snow to be able to practice winter sports... The systems for practicing and manufacturing outdoor sports equipment are dependent on and influential on water cycles." Excerpt from the article

 

 

Outdoor brands, glaciers and the water cycle

"By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all types, especially that resulting from land-based activities, including marine litter and nutrient pollution." Extract from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal

Aude's article highlights how outdoor companies are approaching water management, integrating eco-responsible technologies and adopting practices that minimize their environmental impact. It highlights the importance of protecting water resources to maintain the ecosystems that support not only biodiversity but also outdoor activities. Glaciers, in particular, are highlighted as key indicators of the ecological impact of industrial practices and climate change.

"First of all, there is a gap in the perception of the water cycle. An international study conducted in 2019 analyzed over 500 diagrams and representations of the water cycle. In 98% of cases, the interactions of human activities, in particular pollution and climate change, on the great water cycle are not represented..." Charlène Descollonges, hydrological engineer, author of "l'eau Fake or not".

 

>> Read the full article here!

Here's a look at some of the hot topics covered in this article:

1. At the source
2. The choice of eco-responsibility  
3. The impact of choice
4. The possible consequences of inaction
5. What do brands risk?
6. From glacier to wave, the sentinels of climate.
7. Contribute and adapt

 

 

"We often place the cursor in the wrong place and imagine that eco-gestures are enough in times of drought. We need a global vision to choose relevant and effective actions, both to curb the climate crisis and to slow down the water cycle, which has been accelerated by urbanization, intensive agriculture, the channelling of rivers, deforestation and intensive wood growing" Charlène Descollonges

"I'm lucky enough to work alongside glaciers, and the changes I observe are considerable. Glaciers are retreating, their behavior is changing, there's a huge loss of ice... These changes seem remote to us, but they have an impact on our freshwater reserves, and on rising sea levels. We are all concerned by the melting ice. Heidi Sevestre, glaciologist, documentary filmmaker and explorer, specializing in glaciers and polar exploration.

"With the CSRD regulation from 2024, companies will have to work on their double materiality report. By 2025, European companies with more than 500 employees and sales of 50 million euros will be required to publish their extra-financial reports. In the analysis of materiality of impactIn the analysis of materiality of impact, there is the evaluation of water resources used for production. The consequences of this consumption, including the impact on the quality of marine resources, on climate changefrom the article.

 

 

Further topics to discover:

Dangerous microfibers - How can the outdoor industry stop the plastic tide? The circular economy, plastic-free products, sustainable innovations and the protection of seas and other waters are among the most important themes in the outdoor sector. And they all revolve around one central issue: the use of plastics.

 

Synergies between ISPO and EuroSIMA

ISPO's efforts to promote sustainable practices in the sports industry align closely with the objectives of EuroSIMA, which also aims to support sustainable development within its member companies. Synergies between ISPO and EuroSIMA can reinforce these strategic initiatives, particularly at events such as "OutDoor by ISPO". This event is an excellent opportunity for EuroSIMA members to learn from best practices and engage in discussions that are essential for the evolution of our sports and environmental management.

 

 

>> Click here to find out more about the event