Researchers at Arizona State University conducted a study that raised concerns about the potential increase in carbon emissions as a result of college football realignment. The study focused on the massive changes that occurred in the 2022 and 2023 college football seasons, including schools like Oregon, USC, UCLA, Washington, Stanford, and Cal joining different conferences. The study found that each Power Five conference, except for the SEC, would see a significant increase in emissions, with the ACC and Big Ten projected to double their emissions per game.
Professor Ross Maciejewski, who supervised the study, highlighted the unprecedented distances involved in the realignment and expressed the importance of considering the environmental impact of such decisions. The study pointed to Cal’s football schedule for the 2024 season, where the Golden Bears will be traveling far distances for ACC games in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas. The researchers suggested that a more optimal balance between the benefits and environmental costs of realignments could be achieved by considering geographical proximity, competitive skill levels, tradition, and academic mission when making decisions.
The study proposed a strategic approach to the scheduling process in order to address the issue of carbon emissions in the future. By aligning schools that are closer to each other both geographically and in terms of performance, it may be possible to reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel while still maintaining the excitement of games. The researchers emphasized the importance of taking into account the environmental impact of decisions related to college football realignment and suggested that a more thoughtful approach could lead to a more sustainable future for the sport.
The potential impact of college football realignment on carbon emissions is a pressing issue that requires attention and consideration. As schools shift conferences and travel longer distances for games, the environmental costs of such decisions become more apparent. The researchers at Arizona State University highlighted the need to strike a more optimal balance between the benefits and environmental costs of realignments, suggesting that a focus on geographical proximity and competitive skill levels could help reduce carbon emissions associated with travel.
By implementing a strategic approach to scheduling and considering the output of carbon emissions in the decision-making process, schools and conferences could work towards a more sustainable future for college football. The study emphasized the importance of taking into account the environmental impact of realignment decisions and proposed ways in which schools could reduce their carbon footprint while still maintaining the excitement and competitiveness of the sport. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring that college football remains a thriving and responsible part of the sports landscape.
