Footballers Unite to Call for Climate Action: A collective voice against FIFA's environmental inaction

Strategic Insights -

Veteran footballer Jimmy Keohane has been sidelined with a fractured foot, but he's using his time to contribute to a letter signed by 28 current and former players calling on FIFA to take meaningful climate action. This move follows a similar letter from over 130 female professionals, including Ireland international Diane Caldwell, urging the governing body to end its partnership with Saudi Aramco due to its environmental impact. Keohane credits his involvement in climate action to his time with Exeter City, where he lived with climate activist David Wheeler, who has led this initiative. The players are demanding a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and are calling for an end to all sponsorships with fossil fuel companies, drawing parallels with the global ban on tobacco advertising.

Key Takeaways:

  • A group of 28 current and former footballers, including Jimmy Keohane, have signed a letter calling on FIFA to take climate action, echoing a similar letter from over 130 female professionals.
  • The players are demanding a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and an end to sponsorships with fossil fuel companies.
  • Climate activist David Wheeler and Jimmy Keohane have been instrumental in this initiative, highlighting the need for football to take responsibility for its environmental impact.
  • The players are pushing for a revised football calendar that is more condensed and regional to minimize travel and environmental impact.
  • FIFA has been criticized for its commercial partnership with Saudi Aramco and the expansion of the World Cup, Club World Cup, and other events that increase greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Jimmy Keohane hopes to return to Galway United by the end of July and continue to advocate for climate action in football.

Statistics:

  • 28 current and former footballers have signed the letter calling for climate action, including young players like Mael Corboz and Sam Vokes.
  • A global reduction of 50% in greenhouse gas emissions is needed by 2030, as per the United Nations.
  • FIFA has a partnership with Saudi Aramco, despite the growing threat of climate change.
  • The expanded World Cup and Club World Cup have increased greenhouse gas emissions, making it harder to meet the 50% reduction goal.

Sources:

  • "Letter from footballers calls on FIFA to take climate action" (Weekday)
  • "Ireland international players blast FIFA over Saudi Aramco partnership" (Weekday)
  • "U.N. Chief Warns of 'Catastrophic' Climate Consequences if World Leaders Don't Act Fast" (United Nations)