How does carbon dioxide affect climate change?
CO₂ gas contributes to climate change. The greenhouse effect is mainly responsible for this. Normally, the warmed earth radiates energy back into the atmosphere in the form of infrared radiation. However, greenhouse gases such as CO₂, methane (CH₄) and water vapor (H₂O) absorb some of this infrared radiation. This prevents the heat from escaping into space. In addition, some of the absorbed heat is reflected back to the Earth's surface, which additionally warms the lower atmosphere and the Earth's surface.
Climate change is therefore not only fueled by diesel cars or other fossil fuels, but also by people themselves - including soccer fans. Back in 2019, a study by Deutschlandfunk and the climate protection consultancy CO2OL analyzed the size of the carbon footprint of soccer fans. The result: gigantic!
What causes high CO₂ levels among soccer fans?
According to the study, an area the size of 48 soccer pitches with 60,000 trees would be needed to offset the CO₂ emissions of a single Bundesliga match day. We therefore assume that the European Championship would generate significantly higher figures.
7,753 tons of the gas are released during a match. To calculate the emissions, the researchers looked at a fan's behavior before, during and after the match. The following factors were recorded:
- Way to the stadium
- Consumption in the stadium
- Way home
On average, a stadium visitor consumes "half a liter of beer, a bite of bratwurst, the accompanying sandwich and a sip of lemonade". All these little pleasures produce waste. Two thirds of the waste is generated on arrival and departure, while one third is attributed to consumption in the stadium. Extrapolated to the approximately 400,000 soccer fans in the stadium, this results in around 120 tons of CO₂ per match day. That's the average amount of carbon dioxide produced by ten citizens in a year .
What effect will carbon dioxide have on stadium visitors during the European Championship?
Increased CO₂ exposure in a soccer stadium can lead to faster fatigue and drowsiness, which impairs the sporting experience. The concentration difficulties that arise make it harder for the soccer fan to focus on the game. Prolonged exposure to high CO₂ levels can lead to headaches and dizziness or, in particularly sensitive individuals such as asthmatics, breathing problems. A general feeling of discomfort and unease could also occur, which reduces the enjoyment of the game. However, it is important to note that these effects depend on many factors, including the exact CO₂ concentration, duration of exposure and individual sensitivity. Many soccer fans would not notice a high concentration of CO₂.
air-Q survey: Should we measure CO₂ levels at a European Championship match in Leipzig?
Are you interested in current measurement data for the European Football Championship 2024? With our air-Q air measuring device, we can measure the air quality and even the atmosphere at a public viewing in Leipzig. Vote now:
How can CO₂ emissions be reduced at a soccer match?
Statistical surveys show that the majority of people travel to match days in their own cars. Mobility is therefore the greatest lever for reducing emissions. In order to show true environmental awareness, the focus should be even more on combined tickets and public transport tickets, shuttle buses, special trains or e-bikes and e-scooters. The clubs need to be encouraged to make better use of these offers. They should encourage their fans to choose environmentally friendly alternatives to the car. For all the fans who come to the stadium by bike, there needs to be enough secure parking spaces for them.
Norman Laws from the University of Lüneburg recommends that the entire supply chain for all goods and products consumed should be considered. This would allow, for example, the carbon footprint of jerseys from production to the fan store, travel to away matches and training camps, the vehicle fleet, energy supply and waste disposal to be considered in detail from an environmental perspective. Laws also notes an increase in competitions with the Europa League 2, Club World Cup and World League. All of these have an additional negative impact on the ecological balance of sport. To compensate for this, he calls for voluntary compensation payments by clubs to environmental projects - so far, no Bundesliga club has shown such ambitions.
Conclusion
Soccer events are undoubtedly an important part of our culture and bring people together all over the world. Despite the fact that such events cause increased CO₂ emissions, they should not be banned or restricted. Rather, the focus is on finding ways to minimize the ecological footprint so that we can continue to enjoy the pleasure of sport without any worries. Of course, soccer is not just a climate problem. All kinds of major events such as concerts, festivals and other sporting events generate similar footprints.
With a few environmentally friendly measures, the eco-balance of a European Championship match or other events can certainly be made more sustainable. In addition to the promotion of public transportation, the conversion of stadiums to renewable energies and more efficient waste management systems are noteworthy solutions. The use of reusable cups and plates and the provision of regional and seasonal food also help to reduce CO₂ emissions.
Ultimately, it's about finding a balance in which we combine enthusiasm for soccer with a responsible approach to our environment. In this way, we can both protect the climate and continue to enjoy the thrilling atmosphere in the stadium. We wish you a great atmosphere at the European Championship matches, at public viewing or in front of your TV at home with exciting matches and lots of goals.
