IOC Support Olympians Become EU Climate Ambassadors
January 8, 2020
Tokyo 2020-qualified Norwegian rower Martin Helseth and UK Olympic sailing champion Hannah Mills have been chosen as European Climate Pact Ambassadors. They will use the power of sport to engage people and communities to take action for climate and the environment.
The European Climate Pact is part of the European Green Deal – the EU’s roadmap for creating a more sustainable economy. The Pact aims to give citizens and all parts of society a voice in addressing climate change.
The role of the Ambassadors will be to reach out to people or organisations that are not yet involved in climate action and inform, inspire and support climate action within their communities and networks, leading by example in environmental protection.
“I believe it is every person's responsibility to do what they can to help address climate change, because this global problem affects each and every one of us,” said Olympic champion Hannah Mills. “Sport has a huge role to play. There are many reasons for this, including the reach of global sporting events and the fact that sport is an ‘innovator’, always pushing boundaries. If we can use its power to help more people understand climate change and the available solutions to address it, then we can really make a difference.”
“I’m extremely proud to have become a European Climate Pact Ambassador,” said Martin Helseth. “I believe that, in today’s world, athletes need to match their love of sport with care for the environment, on which we all depend. I am passionate about rowing, but my passion for nature is just as big. I look forward to inspiring more people and communities around the world to take meaningful action to protect it.”
Mills won gold at Rio 2016 and silver at London 2012, and is set to compete in Tokyo this year. She is a passionate environmentalist and founder of The Big Plastic Pledge launched in September 2019 with the support of the IOC. The campaign has so far united more than 3,000 athletes and sports fans in their mission to eradicate single-use plastic in sport.
Helseth has qualified for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. As part of his commitment to protect the ocean, he has pledged to clean up five tonnes of waste on Norwegian shores. He is also an IOC and international rowing federation, FISA's, Clean Seas Ambassador.