How green is the World Cup? According to Bobby Peek from friends of the Earth South Africa carbon offsetting,neutralising the total carbon production,is no more than a “greenwash”.
2010 fifa world cup mascot,Zakumi
In the planning phases of the world cup there was once talk from the Department of Environmental affair to make the greatest sporting event the first ever carbon neutral mega-event. However this ideas never got time to sprout. Hosting the World Cup as a carbon neutral mega-event could have kick started South Africa’s green-economy. Should South Africa have opted for the greener route and mobilized a national effort it would have cost them about $25 million.
The Following extract from CNN
A study conducted by the Norwegian government on behalf of the South African authorities estimates the 2010 competition will have a carbon footprint 6 times the size of the last World Cup in Germany. Even allowing for the fact the study included the impact of transport to and from the World Cup,which Germany didn’t,it still represents a hefty carbon footprint.
In response,the South African authorities have initiated substantial offsetting programs including urban tree-planting,but for local environmental activists that’s not enough.
