Solana Beach, CA — While most sport teams are sitting on the sidelines waiting for the COVID-19 pandemic to be over, top rugby players from around the world are using their voices to bring awareness to the importance of climate action.
For the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, a growing cooperative of organizations worldwide began a project to have 2 billion individuals and companies join in a Global Climate Pledge (www.GlobalClimatePledge.com) by 2022.
The most notable part of this endeavor, however, is the particular group helping to spearhead the movement: international rugby teams’ members. These impressive athletes aided in the launch of the Pledge by creating a set of videos committing to greener habits. This includes some of the toughest and strongest athletes in the world, including Olympians and members of USA Rugby, Rugby Canada, University of Michigan Rugby, and Harvard Rugby.
“I think it’s safe to say that people care about themselves a lot. But we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our planet so we have to take care of it just as much as we take care of ourselves,” says Naya Tapper, USA Women’s Rugby all-time leading try-scorer and Pan-American Games silver medalist. “The well-being of the earth should matter to us. “
The Global Climate Pledge prides itself on being the first climate movement to take an inclusive and ambitious approach, breaking boundaries and engaging billions of people around the world in climate action.
“Sports are ubiquitous, they bring people from different backgrounds and ideologies together towards a common goal. Those are the same things we’re trying to do with the global climate pledge,” noted Alena Olsen, a member of the women’s U.S. rugby team who created the first video. “My teammates know that I care a lot about sustainability and it was inspiring seeing everyone lead the rugby community and take on the challenge in their own way.”
Despite the cancellation of many sports-related events, these international rugby teams have taken it upon themselves to use their platform to catalyze real change. Unlike many climate-related efforts, this movement shifts the focus from reiterating the problem to guiding individuals on how to act in order to be part of the solution.
“Climate change sounds overwhelming to most people and they don’t know where to begin, which is why the Global Climate Pledge was created,” said Michelle Thatcher, CEO of the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce. “It is designed to engage far beyond the environmental choir. You don’t need to be an expert to start helping the planet, as shown by the amazing dedication of these rugby teams.”
The Global Climate Pledge consists of an individual and organizational pledge, both of which can be taken online at the official website. Besides pledging, it is also possible to become an ambassador partner in the NGO, community, government, organizational or another sector to help lead the charge, just like with these amazing athletes.
“My role in the movement is to do what I can to help keep the earth clean, spread the word about the movement, and get people to pledge and find ways they can help keep the earth clean too, ” says Tapper.
Every signature and every small climate-sensitive action matters, so sign the Pledge today!