At first glance, you might think that it is a three-color barcode. Flocked on the sleeve of the first team jerseys of the Rennes student volleyball club, This strange design, however, testifies to a much more worrying reality. Developed by British climatologist Ed Hawkinsthese warming stripes illustrate the reality of global warming on our planet with bands of color. Last season, professional football club Reading was the first to use the famous “climate strips” to raise awareness of rising temperatures. An idea which inspired the professional volleyball club of Rennes, which will be the first in France to display them on its jerseys this season. To raise awareness but also to act.
First broadcast in 2018, these climate bands make it possible to popularize the reality of global warming by presenting the average temperature of a territory through a color. From the cold blue at the beginning of the 19th century to the fiery red of the last burning years that the planet has known. Placed on the sleeves of the men’s and women’s team jerseys, the design was specially created on the scale of Rennes.
“The consequences of global warming are concrete here. We had more than 40 degrees recorded in 2022. This is a reality which will have repercussions on sports practice. If we don’t change anything, we will probably have to do with two months less sport,” warns Nathalie Guitton. The president of REC Volley was able to count on the expertise of a club volunteer to carry out this project. This volunteer is Matthieu Orphelin, a former environmentalist deputy who worked for a long time for Ademe. At the end of September, certain environmentalist deputies had displayed the famous bands in the hemicycle to alert the government.
A carbon footprint weighed down by the travel of players and supporters
Engaged in the second division, the two Rennes teams will not only wear colored stripes to show their commitment to the fight against global warming. Throughout the season, players will increase their efforts to limit the impact of their activity on the planet. “We calculated that the carbon footprint of our men’s team alone was 140 tonnes of CO2 per year, two thirds of which was due to the travel of players and supporters. We must act,” notes Eric Hallé, manager of the Rennes club.
By discussing with their opponents, the Breton volleyball players managed to cancel two matches (one of which was late) in Montpellier and Martigues in a few days, in order to save themselves a return trip. “We will be able to travel by train and stay two days there, rather than taking the plane,” assures coach Olivier Bouvet.
No “sand yachting” for volleyball players
A choice that contrasts with the statements of Christophe Galthier, who had joked about having his PSG team travel “in a sand yacht” rather than in a private jet. The Parisian stars had been widely criticized for having taken a private Boeing for a trip to Nantes. “Frankly, you can take the train, it’s more comfortable, especially when you’re two meters tall,” Philippe Tuitoga smiles. The imposing captain of the REC, however, could do nothing to convince the volleyball league to group matches on certain weekends to limit the number of trips. “We tried but it was refused,” admits the manager. “If we only think about our comfort, we will do nothing. Obviously, it will require sacrifices but everyone has an interest in it,” says President Nathalie Guitton.
Beyond the club’s actions, the players hope to capitalize on their role as ambassadors to spread the good word. Reduced prices will, for example, be offered to spectators who have used their bike or public transport to come to the matches. “It’s up to new generations to take up this subject. We have a young and committed team. I think it will be easier for us to convey these messages to the youngest,” said Vadim Koné, head of the club’s flagship team. The very hot month of October reminds us that there is an urgent need to protect our children.