Was the 2022 World Cup as green as it seemed?

Back in 2010, FIFA announced that the tiny country of Qatar would
host the 2022 World Cup. It would be the first Middle Eastern
country to do so. The tournament has seen thousands of fans
travel to see it, with millions tuning in around the world. But
it hasn’t been without controversy.


The event’s organisers claimed that it would be the first fully
carbon-neutral World Cup. A big new solar park was built, fleets
of electric buses were released onto the roads and
climate-friendly projects were set up to offset emissions.


Some say that organisers are trying to do the right thing. But
others are critical, arguing that emissions have been
underestimated and that the carbon-neutral claim is misleading.


This episode dives into the debate and asks if the 2022 World Cup
was really as green as it seemed.


Presenters Graihagh Jackson and Luke Jones are joined by:
Rumaitha Al Busaidi, Omani football pundit and climate change
activist Khaled Diab, Communications Director at not-for-profit
Carbon Market Watch Zach Banzon, goalkeeper for Kaya FC in the
Philippines and “Team Player” for We Play Green Peter Ball,
Journalist, BBC World Service Josephine Moulds, Reporter at The
Bureau of Investigative Journalism


Producers: Lilly Freeston and Sophie Eastaugh Researcher: Natasha
Fernandes Production Coordinators: Helena Warwick-Cross and
Siobhan Reed Series Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Richard
Fenton-Smith Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell