DOHA, Qatar , As the final whistle blew on another sweltering Qatari evening during the 2022 World Cup, a growing chorus of voices are questioning whether FIFA can continue to ignore the escalating impact of climate change on its marquee event. While the tournament was moved to November and December to avoid the intense summer heat, experts warn that even these adjustments may not be enough in the long run.
“What we saw in Qatar was a temporary fix,” explains Dr. Emily Carter, a climate scientist specializing in sports meteorology. “Moving the tournament to winter bought them some time, but the underlying problem , the relentless increase in global temperatures , hasn’t gone away. In fact, it’s accelerating.”
Future prediction models painted a grim picture a few years ago; now we’re seeing current progress confirming those fears. Extreme weather events, from heatwaves to torrential downpours, are becoming more frequent and severe across the globe, impacting not only players but also fans and the infrastructure supporting these massive tournaments. Remaining hurdles include convincing FIFA of the long-term financial risks associated with ignoring climate science, and finding truly sustainable solutions that don’t simply shift the problem elsewhere.
The concerns aren’t limited to just desert nations. Potential future hosts across the Americas, Europe, and Asia are all facing their own unique climate-related challenges. Rising sea levels threaten coastal stadiums, while increased rainfall could lead to widespread flooding and logistical nightmares. Wildfire smoke, as seen increasingly in North America, poses a significant health risk to athletes and spectators alike.
One potential solution being floated is a complete overhaul of the traditional football calendar, perhaps shortening the tournament or rotating it between regions with more moderate climates. “It is not ideal”, said Sepp Koster, a sports economist. “But the current strategy is untenable. We are talking about the health and safety of players and fans, and the very future of the game.”
The implications extend beyond just the World Cup itself. Grassroots football, youth leagues, and amateur matches are all feeling the effects of climate change. Heat-related illnesses are on the rise, forcing cancellations and modifications to training schedules. This is happening at every level. The changing climate threatens the foundation of the sport. This is something the wider world has to wake up to too.
The decision to host the 2022 World Cup in Qatar drew heavy criticism from environmental groups and human rights organizations. Allegations of “sportswashing” , using sporting events to improve a nation’s image despite questionable practices , further fueled the debate. Many took to social media to voice their concerns, with comments like “Another World Cup in unsustainable conditions? #FIFAlacksofvision” appearing frequently on X.com and Facebook.
For fans, the prospect of a World Cup disrupted by extreme weather is a major disappointment. “We saved up for years to travel to Qatar,” said Maria Rodriguez, a fan from Argentina. “The heat was intense, and it did impact the experience. We worried about hydration constantly” There was an unseen story, one of resilience and adaptation, as fans found ways to cope with the conditions, seeking shade, drinking plenty of water, and adjusting their expectations. She says she is looking at next World Cup in North America, but she is also concerned whether the summers would be too hot.
Here are some of the key concerns and proposed solutions being discussed by experts and stakeholders:
- Extreme Heat: Requires rescheduling tournaments, implementing strict hydration protocols, and providing adequate cooling facilities.
- Rising Sea Levels: Poses a threat to coastal stadiums, potentially requiring relocation or costly protective measures.
- Increased Rainfall: Could lead to flooding and logistical disruptions, necessitating improved drainage systems and contingency plans.
- Air Quality: Wildfire smoke and other pollutants can impact player health, demanding air quality monitoring and potential game postponements.
“The time for complacency is over,” adds Dr. Carter. “FIFA needs to take a proactive approach to address climate change, not just for the World Cup, but for the entire football ecosystem. This requires a fundamental shift in thinking and a willingness to embrace sustainable solutions that prioritize the health of the planet and the well-being of everyone involved in the sport.”
Some industry insiders feel like FIFA is at least listening, as evidenced by a new initiative to reduce its carbon footprint, and a pledge to make future tournaments more environmentally friendly. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and lack concrete targets. “Lip service is not enough anymore,” stated one commenter on Instagram. “Show us the action, FIFA.” The pressure is mounting on the organization to demonstrate genuine leadership on this critical issue.
The debate continues. FIFA has not commented on the issue.
