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
Your questions answered: Climate change for kids, solar power, music for plants
What does China's green tech revolution mean for the world?
Can we build better cities for mental health and the climate?
Can we save money and save the planet?
What is caused (and not caused) by climate change?
Bonus Ep: the climate activists who sued their government (and won)
Can we save the world's coral?
Can fertilisers go green?
Why are electric scooters, mopeds and rickshaws booming?
How is climate change affecting animal migration?
How does extreme heat affect pregnant women?
Your questions answered: Reversing climate change, eating avocados, electric vehicles and more
What's it like living a "sustainable" life?
What's it like being a 'Chief Heat Officer'?
Could solar farms in space power Earth?
Do we need a 'Category 6' for hurricanes?
Why is nuclear power back in fashion?
Are wetlands our secret weapon for fighting climate change?
Why is climate change fuelling tension in the Arctic?
Is climate change on the ballot paper in 2024?
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