Change-makers: NOCs set the pace for a net zero future

When the IOC partnered with United Nations Climate Change (UNCCC) to deliver the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework (S4CA) in 2018, it provided a vital catalyst for concrete environmental action taken by Olympic Movement stakeholders.

A marriage of political will and actionable goals, the framework has had a galvanising effect in particular on International Federations and National Olympic Committees, which have pledged to, among other things, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent from their 2019 baselines, achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, and develop a net-zero transition plan outlining short- and long-term actions, barriers and stakeholder engagement strategies.

To date, the framework has been signed by over 300 sports bodies worldwide, including 80 NOCs and five associations of NOCs, with a high level of engagement in Europe (21 NOCs), Africa (21) and the Americas (27).

Among the early adopters in the Americas were regional bodies such as the Bolivarian Sports Organisation (ODEBO), which in addition to employing best practices at its events – such as using existing infrastructure over new construction – takes every opportunity to educate stakeholders on the importance of environmental practices and their implementation.

Supported by Olympic Solidarity, the NOC of Chile has also become a trailblazer for sustainability practices and was recognised as such when it became a finalist for the IOC Climate Action Awards 2024. Through a comprehensive strategy encompassing carbon reduction and waste recycling, the NOC has achieved measurable environmental success, notably increasing recycled waste at the Olympic Training Centre from 2 tonnes in 2022 to 98 tonnes in 2023. This commitment is further amplified by empowering athletes to advocate sustainability across all media platforms.

Keen to follow in their footsteps is the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC). The TTOC is one of four NOCs (along with those of Botswana, the Central African Republic and Seychelles) to have applied for an Olympic Solidarity Road To LA28 Sustainability Grant for the 2025-2028 period, with more NOCs expected to follow.

The Road To LA28 Sustainability Programme requires grant-holders to be signatories of the S4CA as a first step. The programme is geared towards the implementation of policies that reduce carbon emissions, raise awareness around sustainability, and develop sustainability strategies that address the social, environmental and economic aspects of climate change.

“Sustainability and environmental stewardship are central to our NOC’s vision because sport is not only about competition; it is about safeguarding the communities and ecosystems that make sport possible,” said TTOC President Diane Henderson.

The TTOC kicked off its efforts in 2025 by training staff in carbon literacy and charting a clear path toward the LA28 Olympic Games. Its next steps are to conduct stakeholder interviews and undergo a comprehensive sustainability audit that will help it shape a strategic roadmap for embedding sustainability into every aspect of its operations.

In Africa, the Cabo Verde Olympic Committee has established itself as the standard-bearer for climate action initiatives. In 2020, it became the first NOC on the continent to join the S4CA

and, through its “Olympic Sea” project, is leading efforts to reforest, conserve and restore local ecosystems.

Inspired by these efforts, another NOC from an island nation – Seychelles – is taking steps to address its environmental impact on the road to LA28.

With the stated goal of becoming a regional leader in the field, the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (SOCGA) is also in the process of assessing its carbon footprint and developing a long-term sustainability plan.

SOCGA has already joined forces with the Ministries of Education, Environment, Tourism and the Blue Economy to pool funding and avoid the duplication of work and is taking steps to advocate regional waste management systems.

“Every nation, regardless of size, plays a vital role in achieving global climate goals,” stated SOCGA President Alain Alcindor. “When we all contribute, it can have a powerful impact.”

The NOC of Botswana, meanwhile, is rolling out a four-year strategic plan of its own that aims to deliver standalone milestones each year that will shore up its long-term sustainability capacities. Its plan is being built around five core pillars that include carbon literacy training for staff and the adoption of sustainable procurement guidelines.

“In short, we are moving from intention to implementation, ensuring sustainability becomes embedded in governance, operations and decision-making as we prepare for LA28,” said NOC Secretary General Dorothy Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe.

The collective momentum generated by the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework demonstrates that even NOCs from smaller nations can play a significant role in achieving global climate goals.

Around the world, sports organisations have shown a real commitment to sustainability that aims to safeguard the very foundations that bring sport to life, while creating a powerful and enduring legacy for generations to come.