AELTC – Wimbledon 2021 has joined forces with the BBC, COP26 – the UN Climate Change Summit set to be hosted by the UK in Glasgow later this year, and the Met Office to create a spotlight on the environment during this year’s Championships, with Thursday 1 July set to be the first Environment Day.
At the Chairman’s invitation, the Royal Box will feature a variety of environment champions, including COP26 Champion Nigel Topping, Professor Lord Nicholas Stern, Mark Carney – Finance Advisor to the Prime Minister for COP26, Dr Mya-Rose Craig, Angela Francis, Bear Grylls and Adam Henson.
The BBC will reflect the day in their coverage with Adrian Chiles presenting a discussion on his BBC Radio 5 Live programme (from 10am) featuring AELTC Chief Executive Sally Bolton and the Prime Minister’s spokesperson for COP26 Allegra Stratton, which will cover the AELTC’s 2030 environment positive commitment, the preparations for COP26, and the Met Office’s research on the impact that climate change could have on sports events such as Wimbledon.
COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma said: “In this year of significant climate action across the United Kingdom ahead of COP26, it is exciting that Wimbledon has chosen to hold an Environment Day.
“Every aspect of our lives has an impact on the climate, from the food we eat to the sports that we love to watch and play, and tennis is no exception.
“I am therefore delighted to see that Wimbledon will join COP26 in encouraging everyone to go one step greener to tackle climate change and to build a more sustainable world.”