Study finds concerns about carbon emissions caused by realignment in college football

An Arizona State study recently raised concerns about how the recent college football realignments could potentially increase carbon emissions due to the significant amount of travel involved for schools. The 2022 and 2023 college football seasons witnessed major changes in the landscape of college football, with several schools shifting conferences. Schools such as Oregon, USC, UCLA, and Washington left the Pac-12 to join the Big Ten, while Cal and Stanford joined the ACC. Arizona State was among the schools that joined the Big 12 as part of the realignment. Researchers at Arizona State concluded that each Power Five conference, except for the SEC, would see a substantial increase in carbon emissions. The study highlighted that the ACC and the Big Ten would double their emissions per game.

Professor Ross Maciejewski, the study’s supervisor, emphasized the unprecedented scale of the realignment in terms of distances, which would lead to an increase in carbon emissions. The study specifically pointed to Cal’s football schedule for the 2024 season, where the Golden Bears will be traveling to various distant locations for games, including Florida State, Pittsburgh, Wake Forest, and SMU. Additionally, East Coast schools like Syracuse, N.C. State, and Miami will be visiting Berkeley for ACC games. The study suggested that there is a potential to strike a more optimal balance between the benefits and environmental costs of these realignments. One proposed avenue for achieving this goal is to consider the geographical proximity and competitive skill levels of schools when making realignment decisions.

The study recommended a strategic approach to the scheduling process to take into account the impact of carbon emissions in the future. By aligning schools that are closer to each other geographically and in terms of performance, tradition, and academic mission, it may be possible to reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel while still maintaining the excitement of college football games. The researchers acknowledged the importance of striking a balance between the benefits of realignments and the environmental costs associated with increased travel. The study emphasized the significance of considering both the environmental impact and the overall quality of the college football experience when making decisions about realignments.

In conclusion, the Arizona State study highlighted the potential rise in carbon emissions as a result of the recent college football realignments and suggested ways to mitigate their environmental impact. By considering factors such as geographical proximity and competitive skill levels when making realignment decisions, schools may be able to reduce carbon footprint associated with travel while still maintaining the excitement and tradition of college football. Strategic scheduling processes that prioritize reducing carbon emissions could play a crucial role in minimizing the environmental costs of future realignments. It is crucial for schools and conferences to consider the environmental implications of their decisions and work towards finding a more sustainable balance between the benefits and costs of college football realignments.