In response to concern for climate change impacting sport competitions and legacies, and the need to consider climate adaptability in event planning, this paper uses a combination of historical weather and air quality data as well as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report to predict climactic conditions for the mega-events of the 2022 through 2032. In doing so, this paper provides a preliminary overview of environmental conditions (e.g. temperatures, air quality, precipitation) that can be used by event planners to inform contingency plans for the events and their legacies. The most immediate concerns for the mega events between 2022 and 2032 include heat conditions unsuitable for competition and poor air quality, but there may be more harmful environmental concerns for the long-term legacies of these events. It is imperative that event organizers consider creating climate-resilient events, infrastructure, and legacies that can withstand environmental threats in the future.

The Olympic Games continue to be a creator of adverse environmental impacts for host communities. Given the role that the Olympic Games play in sustainability due to their size, the number of people attending, new construction and infrastructure, and the extensive exposure by the media, this study investigated the Tokyo 2020 Games by evaluating the efficacy of their ecological sustainability efforts. Methods for this study were framed by the conceptual model of Müller et al. Specifically, the model is grounded on the three general aspects of sustainability: ecological, social, and economic. Compared to all Olympic events from 1992 through 2020, results from the present research indicated that Tokyo 2020 Olympics may have been the most ecologically friendly Games. This ecological record is significant, but it may be an unrealistic benchmark, given that the lack of attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced much of the ecological sustainability scores.

This study examined the seasonal sustainability reporting of Formula E for its content, variation, and linearity. Formula E was chosen since it was built as a sustainable sport enterprise rather than one which integrated sustainability into existing operations and for the accessibility of its annual sustainability reports. Using an exploratory approach for content and variation, and the Green Waves of sport sustainability for linearity, eight seasons of sustainability reports from Formula E were collected and examined via content analysis. Findings revealed the major content areas for Formula E concerned event management, car design, and community engagement with these initiatives classified as internal or external efforts. Reports were inconsistent in their structure, language, scope, and focus. The Green Waves suggest that while some efforts progress, others may regress according to strategy or the initiative’s life cycle. Formula E is progressing overall in their sustainability efforts, but exemplifies the lack of an end point to sustainability efforts. It is suggested that better coordination could yield higher strategic success and recognition.

Many sport and entertainment venues are still not major adopters of environmental social responsibility (ESR) despite evidence to suggest their benefit. This qualitative study investigated the major barriers that still prevent ESR adoption in public assembly venues (PAVs) used by sport and entertainment organizations. Using resource-based view (RBV) as a framework for analysis, PAV managers of stadiums, arenas, and performing arts centers were interviewed to collect data. Findings suggest a lack of resources to devote to ESR which displays an overall lack of priority given to ESR adoption and knowledge of ESR by PAV managers. If ESR was considered to offer competitive advantage, it would be given more priority, PAV managers would emphasize more training, and it would therefore receive more resource attention.

The impact of climate change will require a closer examination of esports’ environmental impact and how the environment will impact esports. This paper presents a conceptual examination of this bidirectional relationship between esports and the environment by utilizing the framework of sport ecology. Aspects of the Sport Event Environmental Performance Measurement tool and the Climate Vulnerability of Sport Organizations framework may be applicable to esports in future research to better understand this environmental relationship. There are similarities in how live esports events are hosted when compared to traditional sports, but the potential for remote competition does change the dynamic of this environmental relationship. While remote competition can limit environmental exposure and impact, it does potentially create two environmental points of exposure and impact compared with one at an in-person event. More development is required in this space to better understand the role of esports organizations and the nature of esports itself.