We are at the beginning of COP30, the 30th edition of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, held in Belém, an event in which public and private authorities undertake debates and seek solutions to the climate crisis on the planet caused by human actions.
Brazil, as host, is a protagonist at the COP, but sets a terrible example when it comes to football. What we see in the country is close to inaction.
The most popular sport in the world plays a relevant role in carbon emissions and should be treated as a priority, especially by government leaders. It is not. And, apparently, it won’t be.
The conference schedule in Pará did not include panels organized by public authorities to discuss topics related to sport in order to create a program to contain the damage it causes to the environment.
On the agenda, there is the presentation of the global campaign Adapt2Win (“adapt to win”), which aims to highlight the importance of adaptation measures to face the impacts of climate change, with the participation of Corinthians full-back Tamires.
Athletes are at the forefront of this movement. In fact, a former player, Raí (São Paulo idol), went to Pará to give his word in favor of environmental engagement.
A private entity, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will be present, but did not specify what would be presented. President Samir Xaud spoke of “bringing the mobilization force of Brazilian football” to the conference. Vague.
Football in Brazil, a continental-sized country, deserves special attention because it is very polluting. Not being green, it acts for its own purpose, as it depends on suitable climatic conditions for its good practice.
The greatest damage to CO₂ (carbon dioxide) emissions is caused by transport (air and road) of teams on state and interstate trips. Countless liters of fuel are burned in this process.
Energy consumption in stadiums, solid waste/garbage (especially plastic materials) that accumulate at games, high water consumption (for irrigation and conservation of pitches) and unrestrained production of sports materials for commercialization (using harmful textile and petrochemical chains) contribute to the harm to the environment.
Holding large-scale championships – Brazil will organize the women’s football World Cup in 2027 – is another aggressive component, as it involves the aforementioned items in large quantities and sometimes in a short period of one month.
Does football require all of this? It seems so, or it becomes impossible. Therefore, and as it is not desirable to end football, what should we do? Take action to establish mitigations and compensations. What are they for all this aggression against the planet?
In Brazil, isolated actions even exist, from certain entities, with waste management, recycling and adoption of renewable energy programs. They are, however, exceptions.
In 2021, FIFA created a program to guide world football in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Brazil, in the form of the CBF, is not a signatory.
I reinforce that there is very little in the COP aimed at “football and the environment”. Checking whether the parties involved in this meager exposition will be able to present something that goes beyond theory.
Ideas emerge, but without practical effect. This applies to almost everything (human beings are good at proposing/debating, but fail and/or procrastinate when executing), but, as the topic is the survival of the Earth, Brazil urgently needs a national football sustainability plan. And, having it, accomplishing it.
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