An Arizona State study raised concerns about the impact of college football realignment on carbon emissions due to increased travel for some schools. The 2022 and 2023 college football seasons saw major changes, with schools like Oregon, USC, UCLA, Washington, Cal, and Stanford leaving their respective conferences to join others. 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, the study’s supervisor, highlighted the unprecedented distances created by the realignment, pointing to the example of Cal’s 2024 football schedule, where they will travel to schools on the East Coast for ACC games. The study suggested that a more optimal balance between the benefits and environmental costs of realignment could be achieved by considering factors such as geographical proximity and competitive skill levels when making decisions. By aligning schools that are closer in distance and other factors, it may be possible to reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel while maintaining the excitement of games.
The study proposed a “strategic approach” to the scheduling process to address future carbon emissions output and emphasized the importance of considering environmental impact alongside competitive considerations. By taking into account factors such as geographical proximity and competitive level, schools can potentially reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the benefits of realignment. The study highlighted the need for a more balanced approach to realignment decisions in order to mitigate the negative environmental effects that could result from increased travel and long distances between schools.
The impact of college football realignment on carbon emissions is a growing concern, with researchers at Arizona State University noting the potential for significant increases in emissions across most Power Five conferences. As schools shift conferences and travel longer distances for games, the environmental impact of these changes becomes more pronounced. By considering factors like geographical proximity and competitive skill levels when making realignment decisions, schools could potentially reduce their carbon footprint while still benefiting from the excitement of new matchups.
The study called for a more thoughtful and strategic approach to scheduling in order to address the environmental costs of college football realignment. By aligning schools that are closer geographically and in terms of other factors like tradition and academic mission, emissions from travel could be reduced without sacrificing the appeal of new conference matchups. The study emphasized the importance of finding a balance between the benefits and environmental costs of realignment decisions in order to mitigate the impact on carbon emissions and maintain the integrity of college football conferences.
In conclusion, the Arizona State study highlighted the need for a more sustainable approach to college football realignment in order to address the increased carbon emissions resulting from longer travel distances. By considering factors such as geographical proximity and competitive skill levels when making realignment decisions, schools can potentially reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the benefits of conference changes. The study’s recommendations for a strategic scheduling approach and a more balanced consideration of environmental impact could help mitigate the negative effects of realignment on carbon emissions in college football.
