The excessive amount of pollution created by major sporting events has significant impacts on our environment and our communities. I am deeply concerned about the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026, especially since it will take place in the United States, a country with high energy consumption, emissions, and my home country. Most of the stadiums planned for this event do not even have air conditioners, posing health risks to the attendees and players, with extreme temperatures potentially leading to serious health issues or even fatalities because over 90% of stadiums will face extreme heat (Jarvis).

The scale of the event makes it imperative to address the environmental impact proactively. Looking back at the World Cup events in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, the carbon footprint was enormous. Reports suggest that over 3.6 million tonnes of CO2 were emitted in 2018 alone (source: Carbon Trust). This is equivalent to the entire annual emissions of some small countries!

We can reduce this impact by encouraging FIFA to implement sustainable practices. This includes using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power to offset energy requirements, investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, and promoting public transportation to reduce the number of cars on the road. Additionally, establishing a policy to ensure all future stadiums have proper climate control facilities could protect attendees from extreme temperatures without excessively increasing energy consumption.

Another crucial step is minimizing single-use plastics during the events. Stadia should be mandated to have clear water refill stations, reduce the distribution of plastic bottled water, and ensure all waste is properly recycled. Engaging fans with sustainability pledges and education campaigns could further enhance awareness and individual responsibility.

Ensuring that the FIFA World Cup 2026 is a green event is not just necessary for the health of our planet, but also for the health and safety of everyone involved. By signing this petition, you are urging FIFA and relevant stakeholders to take these steps. Let's work together to make this event a pioneering example of environmental responsibility in sport. Please sign the petition to support these initiatives.