What health threats does climate change pose to sports? A classic Delphi study among multi- and transdisciplinary experts in medicine and sports

Abstract

Objectives: The World Health Organization has identified climate change as “the single biggest health threat facing humanity”. Climate change will affect athletes in particular. The literature lacks thorough, scientifically based studies on what health effects climate change will have on athletes. The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the emerging climate change-related health effects on outdoor athletes. Equipment and methods: We conducted a classic, asynchronous Delphi study among a panel of experts. To maintain a multidisciplinary approach, 24 medical doctors from different specialties and 24 experts from the eight largest German outdoor sports associations were recruited. Results: According to the expert panel, outdoor sports will be increasingly confronted with the following six risk factors: temperature-related risks, accident and injury risks, UV-related risks, respiratory risks, infection and intoxication risks, and mental and psychosocial risks. Conclusion: This empirical aggregation of knowledge from scientists, sports organizations, clubs, trainers, and professional athletes may lay the foundation for future approaches that could prevent or intervene in climate change driven health risks in outdoor sports.