COB have become the first NOC from the Americas to sign up for the framework ©BOC

The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) has become the first National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the Americas to sign the Sports for Climate Action Framework of the United Nations (UN).

Brazil is the second nation, after Spain, to sign the framework which looks to push for best practices in environmentalism and sustainability.

The framework, which was co-developed with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), asks sporting bodies to reduce their impact on climate change.

Speaking of the agreement, COB President Paulo Wanderley said: "We are proud to announce the participation of the COB in the UN 'Sports for Climate Action Framework'.

"Sport, more than ever, is aligned with the issues of society.

"We know of our ability to mobilise people around important issues and we want to use this potential in favour of the environment and the planet."

Paulo Wanderley has described the framework as important to raise environmental issues ©Getty Images
Paulo Wanderley has described the framework as important to raise environmental issues ©Getty Images

Sustainability is at the forefront of the COB's plans, with its efforts already being recognised by the IOC through the Olympism in Action 2019 Trophy for its work on the Youth School Games.

The event has been the largest student competition in Brazil having started in 2005.

Since 2018, the Games have eliminated all disposable materials that are aggressive to the environment, promoted selective waste collection and distributed reusable bottles to the participants.

Marie Sallois, IOC director for sustainability said: "The signing of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework by the COB marks another milestone in the sports community's efforts to help address the climate crisis.

"We are delighted to welcome them on board and hope that their leadership and ambition will inspire other sports organisations in the region.

"We are seeing a growing momentum across the sports world to actively address climate change and, together, help build a better and a more sustainable world through sport."

The COB must agree to promote greater environmental responsibility and reduce the overall climate impact of sports as part of the framework. 

It will also use its platform to promote education on climate action, promote sustainable and responsible consumption and advocate for climate action through its communication platforms.