Brazilian soccer star Tamires Dias is at the forefront of a critical movement addressing the impact of climate change on athletes, as she joins approximately 40 elite sports figures in launching a global campaign known as Adapt2Win. This initiative, which has garnered support from the Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust, aims to raise awareness and encourage government investments in climate adaptation measures in light of the upcoming COP30 summit scheduled to take place in Belém, Brazil.
Dias, a veteran player who has represented Brazil in two Women’s World Cups, highlights the increasingly evident effects of climate change on sports events. Joining her in this impactful campaign are several well-known athletes, including Brazilian tennis star Beatriz Haddad Maia, surfer Maya Gabeira, and former England soccer player Raheem Sterling. A poignant film showcasing the devastating consequences of floods and wildfires on sports venues will also be featured at COP30.
In her call to action, Dias articulates, “In sport, we learn to adapt every day — to new teams, new tactics, new opponents. But climate change is a different kind of opponent. It’s stronger, more unpredictable, and no one can face it alone.” This sentiment resonates with Sterling, who reflects on the effects of climate change on Caribbean communities, urging for grassroots solutions and encouraging leaders to take meaningful action during COP30.
Campaign organizers emphasize the staggering impact of climate-related disasters, which accounted for $417 billion in economic losses in 2024 alone, while noting that less than 10% of global climate finance has been directed toward essential adaptation initiatives. The athletes involved have collectively signed an Open Letter urging leaders to prioritize climate action.
Additionally, the campaign highlights existing grassroots measures such as SMS drought alerts in Kenya and heat-resilient maternal healthcare services in Sierra Leone. Ana Toni, CEO of the COP30 Presidency, stated, “Adapt2Win reminds us that every sector, from governments to business to sports, has a role to play in creating change.”
Voices from athletes like Nigerian soccer player Kenneth Omeruo further underscore the urgent need for adaptation, as he recounts the changes in seasonal weather patterns that are affecting both his community and the football pitches where they practice. Omeruo’s insights showcase the pressing challenges posed by climate change, illustrating that this issue is not merely a distant concern but a daily reality for many.
As the global community looks forward to COP30, the involvement of prominent athletes in championing climate action opens a hopeful pathway for raising awareness and driving the necessary changes to combat the threats posed by climate change, both in sports and in a broader context.