FOOTBALL AND CLIMATE CONTROL

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which has significant global implications, concluded its work in Baku with historic decisions. The outcomes of COP29 have significant implications for the future of humanity and serve to reinforce Azerbaijan's role as a leader on the global stage.

Alliance as a Significant Sporting Component

One of the notable achievements of COP29, even within the context of sports, can be attributed to a project initiated by the Garabagh Football Club (FC), which represents Azerbaijan in Europe. In response to the summit's call to action, prominent European soccer clubs formed a joint alliance to combat climate change. The alliance was established in collaboration with the Association of European Clubs with the support of the COP29 Chairmanship and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Moreover, it is a platform that has been developed in accordance with the Sports for Climate Action initiative (Sports for Climate Action), which was established by the United Nations in 2018. The newly formed alliance enables soccer clubs to engage in climate action and to make concrete commitments in this regard.

"In the wake of Azerbaijan's role in hosting a prominent event like COP29, the Garabagh FC, a prominent figure in the promotion of the country's interests on the global stage, saw fit to contribute to this significant undertaking. The aforementioned joint alliance was established in Baku at the initiative of Club Garabagh, as the club has informed us.

The organization will be managed by a committee comprising representatives from several clubs, with other teams expected to join the initiative in due course.

In addition to the Agdam club, the alliance comprises 10 other teams with considerable experience in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development. These include Liverpool, Tottenham (both England), Atletico Madrid, Real Betis (both Spain), Fenerbahce, Galatasaray (both from Türkiye), Udinese (Italy), Porto (Portugal), Flamengo (Brazil) and Malmö (Sweden). Demonstrating a sensitive approach to the climate issue and implementing memorable projects in this direction, the clubs signed a document on the establishment of the alliance in Baku.

The renowned coach Fatih Terim, who has led teams such as the Turkish national team, Galatasaray, Milan, and Fiorentina, was a guest of COP29 at the invitation of FC Garabagh, where he expressed support for the event's primary objective.

The Baku Declaration serves to elucidate the commitments undertaken by the clubs in the fight against climate change. The Baku Declaration establishes a framework that necessitates the implementation of tangible measures. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the clubs will present an annual report demonstrating how these commitments are being met.

Furthermore, these commitments are designed to enhance fan awareness and encourage responsible behaviour. The reduction of emissions at stadiums, the promotion of the use of environmentally friendly vehicles, and the implementation of educational campaigns represent an integral component of this process. It is anticipated that these activities will have a significant impact on the environmental awareness of soccer fans.

It is crucial to acknowledge that soccer clubs have a significant environmental footprint, encompassing energy consumption in stadiums and vehicles utilized for travel. Each action, regardless of scale, contributes to this impact. In accordance with the declaration, clubs are seeking to implement novel technologies, enhance energy efficiency, and expand recycling initiatives with the objective of mitigating this impact.

One of the most crucial measures is the education of fans. The influence of footballers and clubs on fans is significant. "By leveraging our reputation, we aim to enhance fan awareness of environmental issues and direct them towards environmentally-conscious actions," the Baku Declaration states.

In this regard, the Baku Declaration represents a significant advancement not only for the clubs themselves, but also for the broader global movement towards sustainable development. It formalizes the objective of reducing carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving zero emissions by 2040. Furthermore, it establishes a forum for the exchange of resources and experiences among clubs.

In accordance with the provisions set forth in this document, a steering committee shall be constituted within the Association of European Clubs. It is the committee's intention to guarantee that the declaration does not remain a mere document; rather, it must be transformed into tangible, practical steps. It is expected that each club will collaborate with its supporters on joint sustainable projects and present an account of its activities and development in an annual report.

Notably, the alliance will not be limited to the 11 clubs in question. The newly formed committee of the Association of European Clubs, which includes more than 700 teams, is expected to facilitate the rapid growth of alliance members in the near future, as well as the expansion of its geographical reach.

Specific Commitments

Asif Asgarov, executive Board member of Qarabag Football Club and Board Member of European Clubs Association, delineated the primary objectives of the alliance and the club he will represent in a statement to Region Plus. He noted that the Sport for Climate Action initiative, established by the United Nations in 2018, requires clubs to establish specific goals in the fight against climate change. One of the primary objectives is to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. This initiative provides a framework for reducing the environmental impact of clubs of varying sizes. Furthermore, the clubs that have endorsed the Baku Declaration also endorse the United Nations' climate action through sports and climate action initiatives.

In addition, Club Garabagh is aware of its obligation to promote the initiative. A contract has been signed with Deloitte, a leading entity in this field. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, Deloitte has provided assistance in the formulation of a roadmap for the club's sustainability strategy. This will assist us in identifying our carbon emissions and in formulating strategies for their reduction. The primary objective of the clubs is, of course, to achieve success in this sport. We are pleased to announce the club's participation in these initiatives aimed at combating climate change. We are pleased to have been the first in Azerbaijan to take this initiative.

The establishment of the Baku Declaration is the beginning of a new era in the field of sustainable development. This initiative will become a model not only for Azerbaijan, but also for the whole world. And such a leading role of FC Garabagh shows that soccer is measured not only by victories and defeats. It is very important for the future of society and the planet.