GLOBAL WARMING, CLIMATE CHANGE AND PROBLEMS IN SPORT

Global warming and climate change have become critical challenges that increasingly affect all areas of human activity, including sport. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and deteriorating air quality are reshaping the environmental conditions under which athletic performance and sport management traditionally operate. This study examines the impacts of climate change on sport by analyzing scientific literature, climate assessment reports, and case studies from major international competitions. The results show that heatwaves significantly increase physiological stress in athletes, reducing performance and elevating the risk of heat-related illnesses. Air pollution, intensified by climate-related factors such as wildfires and increased ozone formation, further threatens respiratory health and training safety. Severe storms, flooding, and reduced snowfall disrupt sporting schedules, damage infrastructure, and place winter sports at particular risk. The study also identifies key adaptation measures implemented by sport organizations, including environmental monitoring, infrastructure adjustments, and sustainable planning strategies. Despite these efforts, adaptation remains uneven across regions and disciplines. The paper concludes by highlighting the urgent need for climate-resilient sports policies, improved environmental education, and long-term sustainability planning to safeguard the future of sport in a rapidly changing climate.