2022 FIFA World Cup: Qatar criticized for "misleading" carbon neutrality claims
In September last year, Qatar and FIFA
affirmed to ensure that it is going to be the first "carbon-neutral"
football World Cup in the tournament's history.
However, in the report, author Gilles Dufrasne
has stated that these carbon neutrality claims made by Qatari government are
simply "not credible". He provided evidence suggesting that the
emissions from 2022 World Cup will be "considerably higher" than
expected by the organizers.
The report expressed concern that Qatar's
claims for a carbon neutral World Cup are misleading sponsors, players, and
fans over limited impact on climate.
Furthermore, carbon credits bought to
offset these emissions may also not have any positive impact on the climate.
Speaking to the media, Dufrasne stated that
calling the upcoming World Cup carbon neutral is problematic as it gives a
false sense of achievement.
The report points towards underestimation
of carbon emissions by Qatari officials linked to the construction of new
stadiums. Incidentally, Qatar has developed seven new stadiums from scratch and
extensively redeveloped the existing stadium in line with the preparations for
the World Cup.
"The total footprint of the permanent
stadiums constructed for the World Cup might be underestimated by a factor of
eight, amounting to 1.6MtCO2e, rather than the reported 0.2MtCO2e," the
report added.
The report also scrutinizes the
"credibility and independence" of a carbon credits scheme designed by
the Qatari regime for the mega event. Climate advocates also criticized some
actions proposed by Qatar for ensuring carbon neutrality, noting that they
"lack integrity".
Last year in June, a FIFA report has stated
that the 2022 World Cup is expected to produce up to 3.6 million tonnes of
carbon dioxide, which is potentially higher than some of the countries
producing in a single year.
Amid ongoing controversies against Qatar,
the fate of the 2022 FIFA World Cup hangs in balance.
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