In the COP end: football and climate at COP29
Last month, the world’s politicians, scientists, activists and organisations came together for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP) on climate change - the United Nations climate change conference. This year, the conference took place in Baku, Azerbaijan. Football, and sport more broadly, had a noticeable presence, as the link between the beautiful game and climate action has become more prominent. Here are a few highlights:
Sport and climate
In a session on sport and climate, former English cyclist Chris Boardman, now the chair of Sport England, noted that 65% of children in a study said they wanted sport stars to speak out about a clean, sustainable future and wanted to hear stars like footballer Harry Kane talking about climate change and the environment.
Panel members spoke about how global sporting events push up greenhouse emissions, although there are various initiatives underway to combat this.
Football Clubs Alliance for Climate
Football clubs from across Europe united to address climate change by forming the Football Clubs Alliance for Climate. This initiative, led by the European Club Association (ECA) and hosted by Qarabag FK, includes prominent clubs such as Liverpool FC, Atlético de Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, and Galatasaray SK.
The alliance aims to leverage football's global influence to promote environmental sustainability. Member clubs have committed to reducing their carbon footprints, engaging fans in climate action, and investing in green technologies. This collective effort aligns with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change's Sports for Climate Action initiative, emphasizing the role of sports in combating environmental challenges.
The Red Way
During COP29, Liverpool FC showcased its sustainability program, The Red Way, highlighting its progress toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. The club's director of impact, Rishi Jain, participated in various events and workshops, sharing insights on engaging fans and building partnerships to drive environmental impact.
FIFA and the Pacific Islands Forum
FIFA extended its partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum to combat climate change, reinforcing the football community's commitment to environmental issues. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino came under criticism for flying to Baku by private jet.
What’s next?
It’s clear that the football and climate sector is growing in importance, and conversations on the links between sport and the environment are now taking place on the world’s biggest stage for climate action. More needs to be done to advance this conversation and encourage bold action from footballing organisations, while utilising the power of the game to inspire action across wider society.