Qatar World Cup: A Benchmark for Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality

Through the adoption of a host of initiatives ranging from sustainable stadiums to eco-friendly transportation, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be a benchmark for sustainability and carbon neutrality.

During a global virtual event held yesterday to commemorate the United Nations' International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) 2022, Bodour al-Meer, the Sustainability Director at Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy emphasized this.

Speaking on the 'Role of sport in tackling climate change,' al-Meer noted that when developing World Cup stadiums and organizing the major event, Qatar took into account the potential environmental impact.

The event, which was hosted by UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming, included speeches from high-ranking UN officials as well as signatories to UN Climate Action Frameworks. Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, was also present.

When asked about the mechanisms in place to reduce carbon emissions, al-Meer noted that while hosting the World Cup, Qatar has made every effort to be a leader in the fight against climate change. "Everyone is looking at us." In this sense, we must set a standard and serve as a role model. By mitigating and implementing our offset programs, we are responsible and do the right thing. We worked hard to create environmentally friendly stadiums," she said, noting that they are 30% more energy-efficient than international benchmarks and consume 40% less water than international requirements.

Qatar has also worked with all of its stakeholders to reduce carbon emissions, according to al-Meer. "We've collaborated with our energy, lodging, logistical, and food partners while assisting and encouraging them."

The SC official emphasized that everyone involved in this matter must perform their part while at the World Cup. "Sustainability of the environment is a shared duty." It all starts with modest steps. Fans and viewers must play a significant role in this by utilizing recyclable water bottles, taking the Metro, and riding environmentally friendly scooters and bicycles," she stated.

HE Sheikha Alya, for her part, stated that Qatar is dedicated to hosting the first carbon-neutral World Cup. "Everywhere, there is a sense of urgency about taking action on climate change. "Sport is another instrument for combating climate change," she said, noting that Qatar had spent a lot of money to make the World Cup carbon-neutral.

"We keep this in mind while building energy-efficient stadiums, implementing a low-emission transit system, achieving plastic neutrality, and managing garbage." All of this demonstrates how critical it is for us to ensure that the World Cup truly addresses climate change," she said, citing the example of Doha's Stadium 974, which was constructed from shipping containers and recycled steel.