Qatar’s failure to be carbon neutral a worry for the future of sport?
Qatar’s ‘carbon neutrality’, the future of sport and an insightful interview with Philip Quinton, professional footballer for Columbus Crew and a member of Eco Athletes.
The proliferation of political debate seems to be increasing day by day as the Qatar World Cup sludges through the mud of criticism. From Infantino’s bizarre speech to the U-turn made by several countries over wearing rainbow-colored armbands, coupled with the fact that it’s winter, this World Cup reeks of unfamiliarity.
Another one of the primary issues surrounding the tournament is Qatar’s failure to adhere to their stance on carbon neutrality, not surprising given they are one of the world’s leading oil and gas producers. During their planning for the world’s grandest tournament, they have been criticised by climate activists for their heavy reliance on desalination.
Considering the dominant use of fossil fuels for desalination, carbon emission becomes an unavoidable environmental consequence. There are also concerns about whether the stadiums will be used following the completion of the World Cup.
The prospect of doomsday may be closer than we think. Organisations need to step up the pace and athletes need to become ambassadors for change. One of those athletes is Colombus Crew footballer Philip Quinton, who is a member of Eco Athletes, an organisation set up by Lewis Blaustein to try and tackle the growing climate issues that are hampering sport, using athletes as the custodians for change.
Philip, who plays in the MLS Next Pro League, sat down with the Sports Gazette to share his opinion on the climate crisis in sport, the controversy surrounding Qatar, and how his home nation will fare in the World Cup.
“I think the quarter finals is a realistic goal,” he says. Those are the words of a confident man ahead of USA’s second game against an impressive looking England side. Philip, who is still only 23, has high aspirations to appear for the US in a future World Cup. This would boost his profile which would also boost his voice for change on the climate crisis.
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Congrats to Philip Quinton on being the 3rd ND player selected in the @MLS SuperDraft 1st round! Big things ahead for Philip with the @ColumbusCrew!#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/JqZcoWdf3X
— Notre Dame Men’s Soccer (@NDMenSoccer) January 11, 2022
“As athletes we have a platform we can use to raise awareness,” commented Philip. If Philip was to grow his sporting profile, then his political profile would grow in tandem.
Major sporting individuals as ambassadors for awareness has always had a positive impact, just look at Marcus Rashford. COP 26 last year also saw Tom Daley, Andy Murray, Max Whitlock and Eliud Kipchoge featuring in a two-minute video to appeal to global governments to create a healthy and safe planet. Philip hopes to have a similar impact once his profile grows.
His views on the World Cup in Qatar and their claim to be carbon neutral was the main talking point. This was one of the reasons FIFA gave the World Cup to Qatar. “Let’s just hope it doesn’t affect future bids,” said Philip.
Philip raises an interesting debate. Will the Qatar World Cup and all the political strain it has exuberated be the last of its kind? This may be wishful thinking, but a country’s sincerity about being eco-friendly plays a huge factor in their consideration for hosting a World Cup. Qatar have clearly shown this can be initially promised and later abandoned.
No facet of society can escape the doom of the climate crisis, and sport may be the first to go if serious ramifications are introduced to tackle the issue. Sports produces high carbon emissions and uses an array of resources to facilitate its games.
Philip doesn’t believe sport will be wiped from existence in order to de-escalate the impasse. “I don’t think it will come to that. Too many people care about sport,” he explained. Granted, sport connects billions across the world, but its carbon footprint has certainly left its mark.
Ultimately, it may not be a matter of choice for sport. An alarming 23 football stadiums in England risk being underwater by 2050, draught could dry up the spectacle of water and winter sports, and the rising temperatures will have a comprehensive impact on all sporting events.
Qatar are custodians for this worrying period we find ourselves in, and their lies about being carbon neutral may be abused in the future. The prospect of sports’ very own doomsday may be the only way to halt this corruption.
Sport is loved and profited by so many. Perhaps the jeopardy of its existence will force its governing bodies, sporting organisations and its fans to make a change for the better.
