The Urgent Need for Climate-Resilient Strategies in Sports Medicine: Lessons from Recent Disasters in Southern Brazil

I am writing to highlight a critical issue that intersects with the field of sports medicine: the impact of climate change and extreme weather events on outdoor sports and athlete health. Recent events in southern Brazil underscore the urgent need for comprehensive, climate-resilient strategies [1]. The devastating consequences of an extratropical cyclone, resulting in numerous fatalities and disappearances, highlight the dire need for effective public policies and preventive measures [2,3]. The governor of Rio Grande do Sul remarked that the cyclone’s impact was “much beyond what was expected,” reflecting the broader issue of unprecedented and severe climatic events [4]. These incidents serve as stark reminders that the “element of surprise” can no longer excuse the absence of proactive public policies aimed at mitigating the effects of increasingly frequent and severe climatic events [4]. A pertinent question arises: “How many more need to die or lose everything before governments ensure safe cities for all people?” This question underscores the historical failure to implement preventive measures and ensure resilience for those living in high-risk areas [4]. The consequences are particularly severe for socially and economically vulnerable populations [5,6].

The ramifications of these climatic events extend to the domain of sports medicine. Athletes and outdoor sports enthusiasts are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, which can lead to severe health risks such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, and an increased incidence of injuries due to unpredictable environments. Sports medicine professionals play a crucial role in developing strategies to protect athletes from these hazards [7].

Education and training

There is a pressing need to educate athletes, coaches and sports organizations about the risks associated with extreme weather conditions and how to mitigate them.

Monitoring and adaptation

Implementing advanced monitoring systems to track weather conditions and adapt training schedules accordingly is essential. Wearable technology and real-time health monitoring can be invaluable tools in this regard.

Emergency protocols

Developing robust emergency protocols for sports events can ensure swift responses to climatic disasters, minimizing health risks and preventing fatalities.

The Brazilian government recently hosted a public hearing on “Climate Justice: A New Path for Adaptation in Brazil,” emphasizing the need for integrated climate policies that include voices from all sectors of society. This initiative is a step towards developing the National Climate Plan and the National Adaptation Plan (PNA), which aim to mitigate emissions and adapt cities to be more resilient [4]. However, immediate actions are necessary. Providing secure housing, ensuring regularization of land tenure, and increasing resilience in vulnerable populations are critical measures. These steps must be coupled with effective disaster response systems, public education on emergency procedures, and the establishment of safe shelters.

The intersection of climate change and sports medicine is an emerging field of research that warrants immediate attention. By addressing the impacts of extreme weather on athletes and outdoor sports, we can develop strategies that not only enhance the safety and performance of athletes but also contribute to broader public health and safety goals. Thank you for considering this critical issue. I hope this letter will inspire further research and action within the sports medicine community to address the challenges posed by climate change.