Environment, Climate Change, and Football

Abstract

Football both impacts, and is impacted by, climate change and environmental decline. The sport’s position as the ‘global game’ makes this particularly noteworthy and there is the potential for it to play a leading role in how society responds. The current reaction of football organisations is, however, insufficient for the magnitude of the problem, and undermined by attempts to expand activity: bigger tournaments, more matches, increased travel. There is no co-ordinated strategy to tackle an issue that could overwhelm the game, instead it is left to individuals to voice concerns and try to mobilise action. This must change.