The celebration of the Football World Cup in North America intensifies the use of water in areas already affected by droughts and high temperatures. Experts in sustainability warn about the impact of this event on increasingly fragile water systems.
The Football World Cup and Its Impact on Water Consumption
Apart from the water used for the stadiums and the supply to millions of fans, a record of emissions is expected, with more than 9 million tons of CO₂. This is a result of the larger number of venues, teams, and international travel, according to FIFA.
The decision to host the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada reopens the debate about the environmental impact of large-scale sporting competitions. In particular, the severe pressure on water resources in regions of the continent already suffering from scarcity is highlighted.
The large influx of visitors significantly increases the demand for water in places where aquifers are on the brink of depletion, exacerbating an already existing problem.
Part of this elevated consumption is due to the requirement of having natural grass in the stadiums, which increases the use of water for daily irrigation, clashing with the climatic reality of the venues.
In the United States and Mexico, where water resources are already under intense pressure, the arrival of visitors adds additional demands in sensitive areas, increasing the burden on urban supply.
While distributing the matches among various venues in three countries helps disperse consumption, it does not eliminate the significant environmental impact of an event of this magnitude.
The use of natural grass, required by FIFA, has elevated the irrigation needs of the stadiums, according to Timothy Kellison, a professor at the University of Florida.
Along with water consumption, the tournament has increased greenhouse gas emissions, reaching unprecedented levels. FIFA estimates that this edition will exceed 9 million tons of CO₂, due to the expansion of the number of teams, matches, and air travel.
The use of pre-existing facilities, such as the SoFi Stadium in California and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, helps mitigate part of the impact. These facilities have rainwater capture and reuse systems.
Despite the partial relief from recent rains, the Drought Monitor indicates that Mexico still faces significant challenges in water management, according to Professor Monika Streule.
The increase in air travel between the three host nations has also doubled greenhouse gas emissions, forcing a reconsideration of the planning of future championships.
The Green Sports Alliance notes that the use of existing infrastructure is key to minimizing the environmental impact of international sporting events.
In summary, the Football World Cup highlights the urgent need to balance the sporting spectacle with the sustainable management of natural resources, especially in regions prone to water scarcity.
