The ungreen World Cup
The ungreen World Cup
By Robert Clark | Jun 25, 2010
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The carbon footprint of the 2010 World Cup is estimated to be six times bigger than that of the previous event in Germany and twice as large as that of the Beijing Olympics.
However, most of the vastly greater CO2 count was accumulated before a ball was kicked in anger, according to a Norwegian government study.
Whereas Germany, the host of the 2006 cup, used mostly existing stadiums, South Africa has built several new complexes as well as supporting infrastructure.
The heavy construction work has meant thousands of tonnes of carbon-intensive concrete; a tonne of concrete generates a tonne of CO2.
Additionally, despite the introduction of some renewable energy sources, South Africa’s economy is largely powered by coal.
It is also three and a half times less energy efficient than Germany. The tens of thousands of fans flying in from around the world will generate 1.9 million tonnes of CO2.
Website EU Infrastructure has created an infographic to illustrate the World Cup carbon footprint here.
