Meet the Teams Tackling Football's Net Zero Problem

Football’s role in tackling climate change took centre stage at COP29, with elite European clubs like Liverpool, Galatasaray, Atlético de Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Porto spearheading discussions.

These clubs, part of the European Club Association (ECA), showcased initiatives to address the climate crisis, underlining the sport's potential to influence global action.

Sustainability representatives from 11 clubs gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, joining the annual UN climate conference to discuss football’s role in a greener future.

One non-ECA guest, Brazil’s Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, also participated, highlighting the global reach of the agenda.

Football steps into the climate arena

The ECA hosted a landmark event at COP29, unveiling the Football Clubs Alliance for Climate. 

Speaking about the conference’s impact, the ECA stated: “The conference highlighted football's capacity to lead by example and inspire collective action in tackling one of the most pressing global challenges: climate change.”

The programme began with presentations from three clubs outlining their climate initiatives. Teresa Santos of Porto, Rishi Jain of Liverpool and Rocío Torres of Atlético de Madrid shared how their clubs are driving sustainability efforts.

This was followed by panel discussions moderated by Sky Sports presenter David Garrido.

The first featured representatives from Real Betis Balompié, Tottenham Hotspur, and Udinese Calcio. The second included insights from the ECA’s sustainability team and Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Central to the event was the signing of the Declaration that formalised the Football Clubs Alliance for Climate. Signatories included Malmö FF, Galatasaray SK, Fenerbahçe SK, Qarabağ FK, and Flamengo, alongside six ECA members.

A commitment to action

The conference reinforced the participating clubs’ commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainability strategies.

Rishi Jain, Director of Impact at Liverpool, highlighted the importance of football’s influence, drawing attention to the club’s recent recognition for their ESG efforts.

ECA CEO Charlie Marshall emphasised the organisation’s dedication to climate action: "At COP29, ECA acknowledges our responsibility to play an active role in combating the climate crisis.

"We’ve recently published our first Sustainability Strategy and committed to reducing our carbon emissions by 30% per member by 2030.”

Charlie stressed that the Football Clubs Alliance for Climate aims to support members in cutting emissions and advancing sustainable practices.

He explained: “Through this alliance and our collaboration with the UNFCCC’s Sports for Climate Action initiative, we are committed to supporting our clubs every step of the way in their climate action journey.”

Niclas Carlnén of Malmö FF echoed the sentiment, highlighting the Alliance’s broader goals: “As we launch the Football Clubs Alliance for Climate, we are committing to the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework with the aim of inspiring football clubs across Europe and worldwide to take meaningful climate action.”

The event reinforced football’s potential to inspire global change.

From grassroots initiatives to elite club strategies, the sport offers a platform to promote sustainable practices and foster environmental responsibility.

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