President of the International chess Federation (FIDE) Arkady Dvorkovich arrived in Baku to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).
As Day.Az reports with reference to the official FIDE website, during the visit, the Russian functionary met with the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, President of COP29 Mukhtar Babayev.
During the meeting, it was noted that sport can unite people in the fight against the climate crisis.
On November 11, the opening of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will last until November 22, took place at the Baku Olympic Stadium. The event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date, and is the first time it is being held in the region in Azerbaijan.
The key expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The abbreviation COP (Conference of Parties) translated from English means “Conference of parties”, this is the highest legislative body that controls the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree or else, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
**How can athletes leverage their influence to create awareness about climate change?**
Interview with Arkady Dvorkovich: Pioneering Climate Action Through Sports
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, Mr. Dvorkovich. We’re thrilled to have you here at COP29 in Baku. The intersection of sports and climate action is an intriguing concept. Can you elaborate on how sports can contribute to addressing the climate crisis?
Arkady Dvorkovich (President of FIDE): Thank you for having me. Sports have a unique ability to unite people across borders and cultures, and they can act as a powerful platform for raising awareness about critical issues like climate change. In our meeting with the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, we discussed how chess, as an intellectual sport, can inspire collaborative problem-solving strategies essential for tackling the climate crisis.
Interviewer: That’s a fascinating outlook. How do you envision the role of international events, like chess championships, in promoting climate awareness?
Dvorkovich: Major sporting events attract global attention and various media outlets, giving us an opportunity to reach millions. Through initiatives such as environmentally amiable hosting, carbon offset programs, and educational campaigns, we can use such events to advocate for enduring practices. By demonstrating our commitment to climate action, we can engage fans and participants in these critical conversations.
Interviewer: COP29 is expected to reach new agreements on climate finance, specifically the New Collective Quantitative goal (NCQG). Why is this goal important, and how does it relate to sports?
Dvorkovich: The NCQG is vital for securing the funding needed to combat climate change effectively. Sports organizations can also play a role here. By aligning their operations with sustainable practices and showcasing these commitments, they can contribute to a larger shift towards responsible resource management. The involvement of influential figures in sports can also help pressure governments and businesses to act.
Interviewer: With the unprecedented climate challenges we face today, what practical steps can individuals involved in sports take to promote sustainability?
Dvorkovich: Individuals can start by reducing waste during events, using sustainable materials for equipment, and advocating for renewable energy sources. Furthermore, athletes can leverage their platforms to speak out on climate issues, encouraging fans to take action in their communities. It’s important to remember that every small step counts in the broader fight against climate change.
Interviewer: coudl you share your vision for the future intersection of sports and climate advocacy?
Dvorkovich: My vision is one where sports federations and organizations actively collaborate with environmental groups to create impactful programs.we need to position sports as not just a source of entertainment, but also a catalyst for positive change. The goal is to inspire the next generation to view sports and sustainability as inherently linked and to carry this message forward.
Interviewer: Thank you, mr. Dvorkovich, for sharing your insights on this vital topic.It’s clear that the spirit of sports can indeed contribute substantially to global climate action.
Dvorkovich: Thank you for the opportunity. Together, through sports and our shared commitment to the habitat, we can make a difference.