WM Phoenix Open Joins U.N. Sports for Climate Action Framework

Expanding its commitment to hosting the largest zero waste sporting event, the Waste Management (WM) Phoenix Open is the first PGA TOUR tournament to join the United Nations Climate Change Sports for Climate Action international collaboration.

The Sports for Climate Action Framework was signed by title sponsor Waste Management and Waste Management Phoenix Open tournament hosts, The Thunderbirds, placing the event alongside other participating sports organizations, including the International Olympic Committee, the National Basketball Association, the International Federation of Association Football and the U.S. Tennis Association.

The tournament will embrace and advance the principles established by the Sports for Climate Action Framework, including promoting environmental responsibility, reducing climate impact, educating participants around climate action, promoting sustainable and responsible consumption and advocating for climate action.

The Waste Management Phoenix Open implements a comprehensive sustainability program to manage impacts from materials, water, energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Waste Management also measures all operations, reduces impacts where possible and balances the entire tournament’s water and carbon footprint.

“The Waste Management Phoenix Open is leading in sustainable sport, producing a zero waste event since 2013,” said Waste Management President and CEO Jim Fish in a statement. “Signing this commitment to Sports for Climate Action is an extension of the many ways we continue to take action for the betterment of our planet.”

“Our partnership with our title sponsor Waste Management has allowed us to do some remarkable things and create a working model for sustainable sport,” said The Thunderbirds Big Chief Chance Cozby in a statement. “We’re extremely proud to continue our leadership role in this space and look forward to affecting real change.”

In January, Waste Management announced the extension of its title sponsorship of the Waste Management Phoenix open through 2030 and a new marketing relationship as the Official Environmental Services Provider of the PGA TOUR.

The U.N. Climate Change brings sports organizations and their stakeholders together to join this new climate action for sport movement that will set the trajectory and provide support for sport to play a role in achieving global climate change goals.