The Relationship between Football and the Environment: Effects and Efforts
As the world's most popular sport, football has significant effects on society and the environment. The relationship between football and environmental sustainability is complex in the sense that the sport is part of the environmental issue on the one hand, but has the potential to result in positive change on the other.
Environmental Impact of Football
Carbon Emissions from Events
Football matches, especially professional football matches, contribute to carbon emissions due to stadium operations, team travel, and fan journeys. An analysis of National Football League (NFL) games in the United States concluded that higher attendance correlates with greater local air pollution, including ozone and nitrogen dioxide emissions. The boost in pollutants originates primarily from the volume of cars since fans drive to and from the stadiums (Wang et al., 2023).
Global Carbon Footprint
The global football industry possesses an enormous carbon footprint. The sport is estimated to release over 30 million metric tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to the total emissions of countries like Denmark (Carbon Trust, 2021). Major events, such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, have contributed heavily to this footprint, with the event itself generating more than 3.6 million tons of CO₂ (FIFA, 2022). Despite efforts to counterbalance these emissions through the purchase of carbon credits, environmental agencies have raised doubts over the validity and transparency of such initiatives (Greenpeace, 2022).
Environmental Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainable Stadiums
As a response to environmental concerns, certain football clubs and stadiums are adopting greener ways. The Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, for example, has been equipped with over 4,200 solar panels and supplied with energy storage systems to the tune of 8.6 megawatt-hours. These installations not only supply power for activities within the stadium but also supply the neighboring community, with the aim of being net-positive by 2030 (World Economic Forum, 2023).
Similarly, London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has incorporated measures such as having a zero-to-landfill waste strategy, prohibition on single-use plastics, and rainwater harvesting installations to assist with water conservation (Tottenham Hotspur, 2022).
Eco-Friendly Transportation
Understanding the part that fan travel contributes to emissions, clubs are promoting the use of public transport. New York City FC will construct Major League Soccer's first entirely electric stadium in Queens by 2027, which will be net-zero by 2040. The city environment of the stadium and the absence of specific parking facilities are designed to put fans on public transport, reducing the use of personal vehicles (WSJ, 2024).
Challenges and Opportunities
Sponsorship and Industry Affiliations
The economy of football is often characterized by sponsorships from emissions-intensive industries, such as airlines and car producers. These partnerships might complicate sustainability, as they may be in conflict with eco-friendly projects. Green pressure groups have been calling for the reconsideration of these associations, suggesting the adoption of sponsors who are environmentally friendly (Carbon Trust, 2023).
Shaping Fan Behavior
Football clubs offer a particular platform to influence fan behavior during games and daily life. By integrating and starting green practices, clubs can push supporters towards sustainable habits. For example, recycling, energy-saving, and green transport campaigns can have a cascade effect, leading to widespread environmental benefit (Andersson & Persson, 2023).
Conclusion
The football-environment connection holds potential and pitfalls. On the negative side, the sport aggravates environmental destruction through emissions and consumption of resources. On the positive side, it has the ability to spur change. By embracing sustainable actions, leveraging their fan power, and reassessing industry alliances, football bodies can be an influential force for environmental sustainability.
References
Andersson, J., & Persson, L. (2023). Sustainable Football: Reducing Carbon Footprint in the Sports Industry. Taylor & Francis.
Carbon Trust. (2021). The Environmental Impact of Football. [Online] Available at: www.carbontrust.com
Carbon Trust. (2023). Sustainable Sponsorship in Sports: Rethinking Football's Corporate Partnerships. [Online] Available at: www.carbontrust.com
FIFA. (2022). Carbon Footprint of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. [Online] Available at: www.fifa.com
Greenpeace. (2022). The Truth About Carbon Offsetting in Major Sports Events. [Online] Available at: www.greenpeace.org
Tottenham Hotspur. (2022). Sustainability at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. [Online] Available at: www.tottenhamhotspur.com
Wang, Y., et al. (2023). Air Pollution and Sports Events: Examining the Environmental Impact of Large Gatherings. MDPI Sustainability.
World Economic Forum. (2023). Sustainable Sports Infrastructure: How Stadiums Are Going Green. [Online] Available at: www.weforum.org
WSJ. (2024). Soccer Tackles Its Carbon Problem. The Wall Street Journal. [Online] Available at: www.wsj.com
