The German Alpine Association (DAV) recently released its first-ever comprehensive carbon footprint assessment, placing itself at the forefront of such initiatives within the mountain sports community. With an estimated emission of around 51,000 tons of CO2 in 2021, the DAV now acknowledges its role in climate change and is committed to taking action.
DAV President Roland Stierle recognized the assessment as a "critical step towards climate neutrality," a goal the organization aims to achieve by 2030. In pursuit of this objective, the DAV had previously pledged to lower its emissions by 30% between 2022 and 2026.
Notably, the DAV Annual General Meeting on November 10-11 underscored the association's commitment to climate action. Among other resolutions, the delegates approved promoting a speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour on highways and incorporating climate protection into the DAV's statutes.
The calculations revealed that a significant portion of last year's emissions stemmed from travel related to events, courses, and excursions. Consequently, the DAV is set to intensify its efforts to minimize mobility-related emissions. This includes facilitating carpooling through a platform and the expansion of the DAV mountain bus service, which currently transports mountaineers and hikers in the Bavarian Alps.
The DAV also encourages alpinists to consider carpooling or public transportation, emphasizing the importance of reducing carbon footprints in their quest for climate neutrality by 2030. Recognizing that many DAV members engage in leisure activities contributing to the association's CO2 emissions, these measures underscore the DAV's environmental commitment.
While the DAV's explicit commitment to climate neutrality by 2030 is not explicitly detailed in existing sources, the broader context of sustainability initiatives in Germany and Europe offers valuable insight. For instance, Germany's Action Plan (Plan ABC+) focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting adaptation to climate change, while projects like the Alpine Space Programme aim to enhance ecological connectivity across the Alps. European initiatives, such as the CE4CE project, also prioritize sustainable resource use, waste prevention, and recycling in transport systems.
Within the mountain sports community, the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) has also identified specific Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting the broader commitment to sustainability. These examples suggest that the DAV's commitment to climate action aligns with broader initiatives in the field of mountain sports and environmental protection.
