World Archery embarked on a mission to support the UN Sports for Climate Action initiative by signing the Climate Neutral Now pledge last September 07, 2020. The initiative aims to alleviate the adverse effects of the continuously warming climate, which include among many others, the emergence of new diseases as a result of collapsed ecosystems.
The World Archery vowed to be one with the movement’s ultimate goal of bringing the world’s carbon footprint down to net-zero level; pledging to annually reduce its carbon emissions by at least 10%. Tom Dielen, the Secretary General at World Archery said that since archery is a sport highly enjoyed by bowmen in outdoor locations, the federation recognizes its responsibilities in ensuring that the environment is kept secure for future generations. Dieben added:
”We might not be the worst culprits when it comes to general carbon emissions, but we hope that our pledge to be responsible for actions that can contribute to the planet’s carbon neutrality, sends a clear message that changes must take place everywhere.”
Initial Steps Taken by the World Archery
In line with the initial steps of measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions below the 2 degrees as stated in the 2018 Paris Agreement, World Archery has completed an internal analysis of the carbon emissions generated by its office and by its international archery events.
After which, World Archery drew a 5-year plan that includes promoting permanent changes in personnel attitude toward processes resulting to high-carbon emissions. The changes will be implemented immediately by way of new travel policies such as reducing the total number of flights taken by World Archery officers and staff.
Future undertakings include interactions with existing and potential sponsors as a means of tapping combined efforts to achieve greater results; particularly with innovations that are beneficial to all parties involved.
Perhaps in contributing another archery-themed guest post to this environment website, the collaboration between World Archery and sponsor-partners will result in innovations that will make bows and crossbows environment-friendly hunting weapons. If and when such crossbow models become available, readers who will be looking for information about them are likely to find one here.