Extreme heat left this student athlete on life support. He won’t be the last.

The tragic case of a student athlete being put on life support due to extreme heat is a stark reminder of the ongoing risks associated with climate-related illnesses in sports. Despite decades of research establishing clear guidelines for preventing and treating heat illness, the uneven adoption and implementation of these policies has left players vulnerable. This is particularly concerning given the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves due to climate change.

In the context of the sports industry, the issue of heat illness is often seen as a preventable tragedy. Athletic programs, schools, and governing bodies have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their athletes, and this includes taking proactive measures to mitigate the risks of extreme heat. However, the fact that such incidents continue to occur suggests that more needs to be done to prioritize athlete safety and adapt to the changing climate. This might involve investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, providing education and training for coaches and staff, and developing more robust policies for heat illness prevention and response.

As the climate continues to change, it's likely that we'll see more cases of heat-related illnesses in sports. What to watch next is whether the sports industry and policymakers take concrete steps to address these risks, such as developing and implementing standardized heat illness policies, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, and prioritizing athlete safety and well-being. Additionally, the role of clean energy and sustainable practices in reducing the urban heat island effect and mitigating the impacts of climate change on sports will be an important area to monitor.

Originally reported by grist.org. CleanNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.