Euro 2024 promises excitement and intense competition as Europe’s best footballers take to German pitches. However, this grand event also comes with a significant carbon footprint. Despite the organizers' efforts to make the championship more eco-friendly, experts predict substantial CO2 emissions.

The tournament kicks off tonight in Munich, with Germany facing Scotland at Allianz Arena. Over the next month, 24 national teams will compete in ten German cities, attracting millions of fans to stadiums, fan zones, and TV screens.

Despite efforts to reduce its environmental impact, Euro 2024 is expected to generate substantial carbon emissions. UEFA and the German Football Association (DFB) have launched several mitigation initiatives. These include offering free local public transport for ticket holders, 25 percent discounts on Interrail passes, and special €29 tickets for travel between host cities. They have also limited parking spaces near stadiums and pledged to use sustainable transport for staff and players.

A significant part of their strategy is reducing the event's carbon footprint. UEFA introduced a carbon footprint calculator in March and committed to minimizing energy and water usage while reducing waste. Unavoidable emissions will be offset by a fund supporting eco-friendly projects for amateur football clubs.

The focus on encouraging rail travel is not surprising, given that transport accounts for 80 percent of the tournament's carbon footprint, estimated at 350,000 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent by Oeko-Institut. Emissions from accommodations and fan zones will also be significant, but other areas will contribute only 2 percent to the overall footprint.

(300gospodarka)