KNMI and KNVB study climate change impacts on amateur football

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) and the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) are collaborating to investigate how climate change impacts amateur football. Key findings suggest that changing weather patterns, such as increased heat in May and September and reduced winter cold, will significantly alter playing conditions and field maintenance.

Beyond football, the research highlights broader implications for other sports. For equestrian sports, extreme heat and lightning pose risks to both riders and horses. In fishing, warming temperatures may lead to less ice for ice fishing and increased risks of fish mortality and algae blooms in summer.

Simultaneously, a new campaign titled ‘Klaar voor vandaag. En morgen.’ has launched to promote sustainability within amateur sports clubs. Partnering with Alklima/Mitsubishi Electric, the KNVB is encouraging clubs to invest in energy-efficient accommodations, such as all-electric heat pumps, to manage rising energy costs and reduce CO2 emissions.