World Surf League reveals plan to become carbon neutral and eliminate plastic use this year

June 7, 2019

The World Surf League (WSL) has pledged to become carbon neutral by the end of 2019, as part of a series of new sustainability commitments it claims will ‘set a new standard’ for professional sports.

Surfing's international sanctioning body is also pledging to eliminate single-use plastics within the next six months, which will apply to all WSL Championship Tour and Big Wave Tour legs.

The latest commitment to preserving the environment was inspired by a number of alarming trends surrounding climate change and plastic pollution, and will tie into this year's World Oceans Day - being held tomorrow, 8th June.

The WSL cited the fact that the ocean has absorbed over 90 per cent of excess heat and 30 per cent of the carbon in the atmosphere, resulting in rising sea levels, a higher frequency of, and more intense storms, and ocean acidification.

The organisation also noted that plastics break down into small microparticles that are ingested by marine life, ultimately entering food and drinking water.

WSL Chief Executive, Sophie Goldschmidt stated "the WSL is incredibly proud to break new ground in sports in the urgent battle against climate change and ocean pollution.

“We believe it’s our responsibility to be ‘all in’ with our efforts to protect the ocean and beaches amid the devastating climate crisis we all face and we invite everyone who cares about the ocean to join us.”

The WSL will aim to offset its carbon footprint by supporting REDD+ (reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) and VCS (Verified Carbon Standard) certified carbon offset projects around the world.

While STOKE (Sustainable Tourism & Outdoors Kit for Evaluation) Certified will aid the WSL in calculating its carbon offset program.

The WSL will also look to reduce non-essential corporate travel and regionalise its operations where possible, and rely more on locally-based contractors to help stage its competitive events.

Goldschmidt added "it’s quite a complicated formula that goes into the offsets, but the travel is the biggest contributor to our carbon footprint and we’ll look to reduce that as we can."

The WSL is one of a handful of athletic organisations to sign the UN Climate Change agency’s Sports for Climate Action Framework – a global commitment to adhere to the fundamental principals of the Paris Climate Accord and incorporate strategies to minimize carbon emissions.

Other signatories include the NBA, FIFA, the International Olympic Committee, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Organising Committee and the New York Yankees.

6th June 2019 - SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium calls for volunteers on World Oceans Day

26th February 2019 - Margaret River Pro to remain on World Surf League schedule despite shark fears

12th January 2019 - 1Rebel becomes first gym chain to ban plastic bottles

24th November 2018 - Phuket launches ground breaking ‘No Foam No Plastic’ environmental initiative

19th November 2018 - World Surf League announces Commercial Director appointment

19th November 2018 - Airlie Beach Festival of Music goes plastic free

13th September 2018 - World Surf League hires former Disney executive to lead wave technology business

7th September 2018 - World Surf League stages first Tour event using artificial wave technology

6th September 2018 - World Surf League makes commitment to prize money equality

18th June 2018 - Visit Sunshine Coast supports plastic bag ban

28th May 2018 - Zoos and aquariums look to reduce plastic waste

27th February 2018 - Swamped with marine garbage, popular Bali beaches require massive daily clean up

29th January 2018 - Far North Queensland tourism operators back Great Barrier Reef plastic straws ban

26th May 2016 - Kelly Slater sells artificial wave venture to the World Surf League

16th October 2015 - Gold Coast announced as the 8th World Surfing Reserve

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