As one of the most popular sports in the world, soccer generates billions of dollars in revenue each year. FIFA, the organization that governs international soccer, is responsible for managing this money and ensuring that the sport continues to grow. However, as climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, some are questioning whether FIFA is putting money and growth before its responsibilities to address climate change. In this blog post, we’ll explore this issue and discuss whether FIFA can balance its financial interests with its environmental responsibilities.

FIFA has experienced record revenues in recent years, thanks in part to the success of the World Cup and other tournaments. However, as the effects of climate change become more apparent, there are concerns that FIFA is not doing enough to address this issue. The organization has a responsibility to ensure that its operations and events do not contribute to climate change and that it works to mitigate its environmental impact.

A headline in the Scientific American. The article calls into question the World Cup’s claim’s of being “carbon neutral”.

FIFA’s events, such as the World Cup, have a significant environmental impact. These events require the construction of stadiums, transportation for players and fans, and the use of energy for lighting and other purposes. All of these activities contribute to carbon emissions and other environmental problems.

In addition, FIFA’s decision to hold the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has come under scrutiny due to the country’s extreme temperatures and reliance on air conditioning. The construction of new stadiums and other infrastructure for the event has also led to concerns about the exploitation of migrant workers and the destruction of natural habitats.

More than 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have died in Qatar since it won the right to host the World Cup 10 years ago, the Guardian can reveal.

The Guardian

FIFA has taken some steps to address climate change, but critics argue that the organization could do more. For example, FIFA has launched a sustainability program that aims to reduce the environmental impact of its events. This program includes initiatives such as using renewable energy, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable transportation.

However, some argue that these efforts are not sufficient given the scale of FIFA’s operations and the impact of its events. Critics point to the organization’s reluctance to address issues such as Qatar’s extreme temperatures and the exploitation of migrant workers as evidence that FIFA is prioritizing its financial interests over its environmental responsibilities.

Last year, the  United States Department of Justice laid out accusations that representatives from Russia and Qatar had bribed FIFA officials in order to win the rights to host the World Cup.

FIFA faces a difficult balancing act between its financial interests and its responsibilities to address climate change. On the one hand, FIFA’s events generate significant revenue that supports the sport and provides opportunities for players and fans around the world. On the other hand, the organization has a responsibility to ensure that its events and operations do not contribute to environmental problems and that it works to mitigate its impact.

To achieve this balance, FIFA will need to take more concrete steps to address climate change. This could include measures such as using renewable energy, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable transportation. FIFA could also consider hosting events in countries with more favorable environmental conditions and labor practices.

FIFA’s success and growth are inextricably linked to its financial interests, but the organization cannot ignore its responsibilities to address climate change. As one of the most popular sports in the world, soccer has a significant impact on the environment, and FIFA must take steps to reduce this impact. By balancing its financial interests with its environmental responsibilities, FIFA can ensure that the sport continues to thrive while also contributing to a sustainable future.