London Marathon Events (LME) has introduced a £26 climate tax on international competitors participating in events like the London Marathon, Brighton Marathon, and Swim Serpentine. The measure is part of LME's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2030.
The collected funds will be directed towards CUR8's carbon removal operations, which aim to extract 280 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere annually. This initiative is in line with the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework's objective of achieving net zero emissions by 2040 or earlier.
LME's strategy also includes a transition from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil generators and an emphasis on public transport use among participants. The organization targets an annual reduction of 800 tonnes of carbon through these measures.
The new levy is calculated based on the average distances and travel methods used by international participants. While some critics argue that carbon removal can create a false sense of security, Mark Stevenson, co-founder of CUR8, maintains that they are assisting organizations in their journey to net zero.
In addition to these measures, LME's environmental initiatives have earned the 2023 London Marathon a Gold certification from the Council for Responsible Sport. These initiatives include the use of electric vehicles, HVO generators, closed-loop recycling, and a partnership with Trees not Tees.
Kate Chapman, LME's sustainability head, reiterated their dedication to organizing sustainable mass participation events. "Immediate action on emissions reduction is emphasized," she stated on Tuesday.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.