Climate change fears reach even Formula One racing

NUERBURGRING, Germany (Reuters) – Talking about climate change at a Formula One race might at first glance seem like praising celibacy in a brothel.

The world’s top motor sport competition is for many the epitome of gas-guzzling wastefulness with powerful engines burning nearly a liter of fossil fuel per kilometer while a vast entourage of people and machines jets to races round the world.

But green winds of change are blowing through one of the world’s most popular sports, and a growing number of team bosses say they want to make Formula One a high-tech pioneer and leader in fighting climate change rather than a whipping post.

Proposed changes include smaller engines, using bio-fuel and restricting the use of wind tunnels — which may be anathema to hardcore fans for whom speed and victory are what count.

Reuters