How much football pollutes

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Football, much more than a simple sport, stands as a global phenomenon capable of uniting nations, touching hearts and being a catalyst for social change. In the glare of the stadiums and the unbridled passion of the fans, football has been proclaimed as an instrument for sustainable development, according to Eco Business . However, behind the effervescence of goals and celebrations, lies a dilemma that challenges the very essence of this noble aspiration. Is it possible to reconcile the idea of ​​football as an engine of development with its hidden environmental impact, which poses a latent threat to the sustainability of the planet? More than football With a fan base of 3.5 billion, almost half of the world's population, football stands as the most popular sport in the world. However, this massive popularity also comes with a significant carbon footprint that affects the environment. With a global rise in sustainable awareness, it is imperative to analyze how football contributes to CO2 emissions and what measures are being taken to mitigate this impact. From the generation of emissions from energy use in stadiums, the travel of fans and teams, broadcasting, the multi-billion dollar market for kits and other products, and even meals during match days, this sport has a negative impact on the climate of the planet.

In this regard, the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA), the institution that governs soccer federations globally, estimated that emissions from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would reach approximately 3.6 million tons, promoting the event as the first completely carbon neutral tournament due to offsets. However, an independent Swiss regulator later ruled that the claims were false and misleading . Carbon Czech Republic Phone Number List neutrality involves balancing greenhouse gas emissions generated by an event with measures that offset or reduce these emissions elsewhere. Although offsets are often used to offset emissions, sustainability specialists argue that their use provides valuable environmental benefits but is not the ultimate solution to addressing carbon emissions. How much football pollutes Estimates of football's carbon footprint often underestimate its real impact by failing to consider vital activities such as stadium construction. Travel, both for fans and teams, is identified as the largest contribution. During the 2016-2017 season, travel accounted for 61 percent of the English Premier League 's carbon footprint , according to a  study.



Despite difficulties in accurately calculating emissions, some clubs have taken significant steps to reduce their carbon footprint. A notable example is the English fourth division club Forest Green Rovers, recognized as “the greenest football club in the world”. Since 2010, it has adopted 100% renewable energy, implemented completely vegan menus, rainwater recycling and electric vehicle charging points. Other European clubs have followed suit, investing in renewable energy to power stadiums, using biofuels in buses and offering training on better environmental practices for their players. But even when data is available to know how much football pollutes, experts say clubs and event organizers often fail to produce accurate estimates, while their efforts to reduce emissions often take the form of offsetting. Sustainability in sport: a challenge While air travel increases football's carbon footprint, other sports also face similar challenges in environmental terms.