Planetary Health and Sustainable Sport (2018–2024): A Scoping Review of Eco Friendly Sports Event Management Practices

Abstract

Sport occupies a unique place in global culture. It inspires millions of participants and audiences, has a powerful economic and social impact, and shapes social norms and behaviour through mass media. This pervasiveness means that the sports industry impacts and is affected by environmental and planetary health. Major competitions create large carbon footprints, consuming vast amounts of energy and resources; Elite athletes and fans travel worldwide; and game structure changes scenarios. At the same time, climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution increasingly challenge sport viability: heat waves threaten athlete health, drought reduces snow availability for winter sports, and pollution closes rivers and lakes to sport, environmental practices have begun to incorporate into event planning, operations and legacy programs The purpose of the systematic review study is to review the academic and Gray literature published in 2018 and 2024 that evaluates environmentally friendly sport program management practices from a planetary health perspective. Evidence was gathered through extensive searches in institutional reports and credible media sources. These findings are categorized into thematic areas such as governance and policy framework, carbon and energy management, transport, site and infrastructure, waste and resources, food and meals, procurement and products, stakeholder engagement and activation emissions are heterogeneous, construction and operations in event footprint These can significantly reduce travel planning, was disposal, plant-based catering Environmental impacts are also greatly reduced by using locally sourced resources. Best-practice case studies from organizations such as Formula One, World Surf League, International Aud Strasbourg, and NFL Green offer innovative solutions, while frameworks such as ISO 20121 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals provide governance guidance Comprehensive planetary health activism is a catalyst, but true sustainability requires systemic change, inclusive stakeholder engagement and rigorous accountability

Keywords - Planetary Health, Sustainable Sport Event Management, Environmental    Sustainability, Carbon Emissions in Sport, Eco-friendly Sports Practices