The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany presents a unique opportunity for national football teams to reduce their carbon footprint significantly. Fresh research reveals that teams can cut their travel emissions by up to 60% simply by choosing trains over planes.
Euro 2024, running from 14 June to 14 July, will host 24 teams across 51 matches in various German cities. UEFA has taken steps to cluster group stage matches to minimise travel distances, encouraging both fans and teams to use the extensive German rail network. This initiative follows criticism of the Euro 2020 format, which spread matches across multiple countries, leading to increased emissions.
Deutsche Bahn, Germany's national rail company, is supporting this green initiative by offering discounted round-trip tickets and subsidised InterRail passes for international fans. According to Erin Vera, campaign manager at Travel Smart, these efforts mark significant progress towards a greener tournament. However, Vera points out that national teams need to follow suit by opting for rail travel.
Despite UEFA's efforts, most national teams have yet to commit to avoiding flights. Research from Travel Smart and Transport & Environment (T&E) indicates that shifting from air to rail travel could reduce team emissions by an average of 95% during the group stage. Currently, only Germany and Switzerland have pledged to refrain from flights during the tournament.
The German team, by not flying domestically, is expected to cut its transport emissions by 98%, setting a powerful example for other teams.
The analysis highlights the stark contrast between air and rail travel emissions. Footballers flying to matches will produce seven to nine times more CO2 in a month than the average person. This emphasises the need for sustainable travel commitments in future tournaments as well.
The report warns that the expansion of football competitions across Europe could exacerbate transport emissions. For instance, the upcoming 2024-25 Champions League season will see an increase in matches, potentially leading to more flights.
Football's global influence provides a platform for promoting sustainable travel. Teams and players are urged to use this visibility to champion eco-friendly transport options. UEFA's collaboration with Deutsche Bahn sets a promising precedent for future tournaments.
Euro 2024 represents a pivotal moment for football's environmental impact. By embracing train travel, national teams can contribute to a significant reduction in emissions, setting a green standard for future events. The actions taken by UEFA and Deutsche Bahn illustrate the potential for large-scale sports events to operate sustainably. National teams now have the chance to lead by example, ensuring that Euro 2024 is remembered not only for its sporting achievements but also for its commitment to the planet.
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