The environmental organization said that soccer’s governing body has been “greenwashing” with its statements about the tournament, which starts next month, will deliver an environmentally friendly World Cup that includes offsetting all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated throughout the tournament.
The term “greenwashing” is when a company or organization purports to be environmentally conscious for marketing purposes but actually isn’t making any notable sustainability efforts.
Doug Parr, Greenpeace U.K. Policy Director, told Newsweek: “The 2022 World Cup, and all the outrage it has received over its environmental impact and human rights abuses, should be a wake-up call for both Qatar and FIFA to begin real transformational work towards a more renewable and peaceful world.
“FIFA’s claims of a carbon-neutral event are highly misleading and can be considered greenwashing, not least because they appear to have grossly underestimated the emissions the World Cup in Qatar will actually cause.”
Parr continued: “Empty carbon-neutrality pledges with offsets are a dangerous distraction from real climate action. Real climate action involves genuinely eliminating emissions at source, while making strides to transition away from fossil fuels towards a 100 percent renewable energy system.”
A spokesperson for the soccer authority has told Newsweek: “FIFA strongly rejects any such claim as FIFA and its Qatari counterparts are steadfast in their commitment to deliver the first fully carbon neutral FIFA World Cup.”
The FIFA World Cup 2022 Sustainability Strategy states that “carbon-neutral” means reducing emissions where possible and compensating for the remainder by investing in carbon reduction projects (via offset units) to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
The tournament organizers announced in a statement that they have pledged to measure, mitigate and offset all FIFA World Cup 2022 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while advancing low-carbon solutions in Qatar and the region.
FIFA said: “The carbon footprint is calculated and communicated transparently with a conservative estimate published ahead of the tournament (ex-ante) and another report due to be published after the event based on the actual footprint (ex-post) so that any discrepancies will be reported and explained.
“All remaining emissions will be fully offset. The accounting and reporting procedure used for the report is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
“The system boundaries followed the operational-control approach and were transparently communicated.”
The World Cup has not been short of controversies since soccer’s governing body awarded the 2022 tournament to Qatar.
Qatar’s ban on gay rights has prompted a number of LGBTQ+ organizations to speak out against the tournament—among them Stonewall, which told Newsweek that it is “not safe” for LGBTQ+ people, despite assurances.
Liz Ward, director of programs at Stonewall, told Newsweek: “As we approach the 2022 Men’s World Cup, we must remember that Qatar is a country where LGBTQ+ people are persecuted simply for being themselves.
“Sadly, this year’s tournament is not safe for everyone.”
Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said that the event will be inclusive and that all necessary measures will be in place for LGBTQ+ fans and allies to enjoy the tournament in a welcoming and safe environment.
“Everyone will be welcome to the tournament, regardless of their origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation or nationality,” he said.
