Saudi Arabia’s plans to host the men’s World Cup 2034 will be harmful for the climate, experts say

Associated Press

Saudi Arabia says that to host the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer, it will build or renovate 15 stadiums, create a futuristic city and expand airports and public transport in a massive buildout to accommodate millions of athletes, coaches and spectators. That will emit tons of planet-warming greenhouse gases as concrete and steel are manufactured and transported, diesel-powered excavators and trucks move material and new buildings are powered and cooled. The buildings and construction sector, taken together, is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally. Because of the scale of the building plans and travel needed for the event, experts say the toll on the climate could be enormous.