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Driving for Net Zero

By Women & Golf Staff on October 27, 2021

Image: Getty Images

The GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf will host Driving for Net Zero on 11 November; an event focusing on the role of golf in climate action.

The event coincides with the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow and will highlight the ways in which golf can impact climate action and explore pathways to net-zero emissions.

What is it?

The aim of the event is to facilitate an important conversation at a key point in time – with a view to raising awareness and inspiring accelerated action over the decade ahead.

The event is being supported by the Scottish Government and is part of a wider drive in sustainable golf supported by partners including The R&A, Toro, Dow, European Tour, Ladies European Tour, LPGA, Galvin Green, WM and many other international and national associations.

Organised and facilitated by the GEO Foundation, Driving for Net Zero brings together leading experts from United Nations agencies and other climate action bodies with representatives and examples from across the golf industry.

Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of GEO Foundation, said:

"We are excited to be able to present this event live and coinciding with COP26, as global attention is on the critical topic of climate action. The programme brings expertise and diverse perspectives from around the world, across golf, sport and beyond. The event will emphasise why we need to act, explore what we can effectively do, highlight examples of leadership underway, and introduce new support and solutions developed to accelerate the movement."

Why is it so important?

Major-winner Suzann Pettersen plays an active role as a Sustainable Golf Champion and added:

“This event is an important and valuable opportunity to discuss how to take our responsibility and opportunity further, faster. Not just for golfers, not just for society now, but generations to come.”

"Golf is a global sport connected to people and landscapes around the world – affected by and affecting climate change.”

“GEO Foundation is helping map an ambitious journey towards net-zero for golf – supported by a proper climate mitigation hierarchy and useful tools. This innovative and highly credible approach can set a best practice model in golf and beyond,” remarked Margaret Kim, CEO of Gold Standard – the international non-profit that sets leading standards for climate action.