Surprising Climate Facts We Learnt Thanks to the T20 Cricket World Cup
Champions India celebrate their win, while back home Delhi swelters in extreme heat
During each T20 World Cup match, The Next Test tweeted the climate stripes for the competing nations alongside climate news. We knew that cricket was one of the sports most vulnerable to climate change but – wow! - we certainly learnt some surprising (and terrifying) things along the way. Here are some of the most eye-catching:
Extreme heat killed hundreds of people
Much of Asia has been battered by deadly heatwaves in recent months. Both India and Pakistan recorded temperatures above 50°C in June, and the Delhi heatwave broke all sorts of records, the temperature not dropping below 30°C for over a month. Tens of thousands were treated for heatstroke and hundreds died from the heat. The USA also experienced extreme heat during the tournament, and in recent days 53.3°C was recorded in California, as much of the US continues to sizzle. In Saudi Arabia, an incomprehensible 1300 Hajj pilgrims died from the 50°C+ heat, while Saudi state oil company, Aramco attempt to sportswash their reputation by sponsoring the World Cup. Human life isn’t sustainable in such heat, let alone cricket.
The UK: warm and wet
The UK had its warmest May and spring on record
While it may not have felt like it, the UK actually had both its warmest May and warmest spring on record. Some parts of the UK also simultaneously had their wettest ever spring, demonstrating that climate change isn’t going to magically give the UK a pleasant, Mediterranean climate. Numerous county championship games have been washed out and untold recreational games. England’s World Cup warm-up series against Pakistan lost two games to the rain.
The UK is one of the world’s most nature depleted countries
According to the 2023 State of Nature report, the UK is one of the world’s most nature depleted countries, with 1 in 6 species in danger of extinction. According to Friends of the Earth, the UK has become a ‘hostile environment for wildlife’. Cricket clubs can play their part by leaving space for nature and avoiding the use of pesticides.
The Bangladesh government estimates that 13 million Bangladeshis will be displaced by the climate crisis by 2050
Bangladesh is considered to be one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world. The Bangladeshi Government predicts that one in every seven Bangladeshis will be displaced by 2050. As a result, they are taking the global lead in climate adaptation, helping vulnerable communities with early warning technology.
Aussie firemen are striking against renewables
In a bizarre move, several Australian fire brigades have announced that they will refuse to fight fires on solar and wind farms, in response to the NSW government’s ‘reckless renewables expansion’. Australia has a troublesome relationship with fossil fuels - still generating 68% of its energy from fossil fuels and continuing to export hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of coal each year. Aussie Captain and Cricket for Climate founder, Pat Cummins took a stand against former Cricket Australia sponsors, Alinta Energy, due to their use of coal.
Flooding threatens sport around the globe
There was severe flooding in Florida, during the tournament, and several matches in Fort Lauderdale had to be cancelled. Severe floods in Bangladesh submerged cities that are due to host the Women’s T20 World Cup in a few months time. Winter sports in Australia have been affected by flooding and there have also been catastrophic floods recently in Afghanistan, Oman, Papua New Guinea, China, Italy, Switzerland, France, Nepal and Kenya.
Storm Beryl was an unprecedented hurricane
Just a few days after the World Cup final in Barbados, Storm Beryl ripped through the Caribbean, completely flattening a number of islands and killing several people. It went on to make landfall in Texas, causing extensive damage and flooding. It is by far the earliest category 5 storm to ever form in the Atlantic, directly attributable to rising sea temperatures. It could be a terrifying sign of things to come for the people of the Caribbean and perhaps herald further devastation for cricket grounds such as Grenada’s National Stadium, destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
Nepal generates 100 per cent of its electricity from renewables
To end on a more optimistic note, plucky Nepal, who almost pulled off a shock against South Africa, actually generates 100% of its electricity from renewables! And they’re not alone - Albania, Bhutan, Paraguay, Ethiopia, Iceland and Congo have also managed this impressive feat. It can be done!
