SUSTAINABILITY IN SPORTS: ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

The aim of this study is to review research conducted on environmental sustainability in the field of sports sciences. The concept of sustainability is a frequently addressed topic in many fields. In the field of sports, it appears in various forms of sustainability. Environmental sustainability has been considered as a major dimension of sustainability. Sport and the environment are two inseparable components. Sport affects the environment and can also be used as a tool to raise environmental awareness. Sporting events have an impact on the environment. Especially mega-events, combined with sports tourism, lead to significant effects. They have both positive and negative environmental impacts. For this reason, studies related to sporting events and sustainability have been examined. On the other hand, sports tourism is a major industry and has influences in many areas. In the field of sport, it generates numerous economic, environmental, and social positive or negative outcomes. Therefore, sports tourism and environmental sustainability have been analyzed. In addition, studies related to sports organizations that contribute to the advancement of sustainability in sport have been reviewed. Developments carried out by the Olympic Committee as the highest governing body in sport, environmental initiatives implemented by international federations, and the contributions of other sports organizations to environmental sustainability have been examined. As a result, studies in the literature regarding sporting events, sports tourism, and sports organizations in relation to sport and environmental sustainability have been reviewed.