The Guardian's Paul McInnes Report on Qatar

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This weekend also marked the end of the UN Climate Conference, COP 27. On the positives, a historic agreement was made for a loss and damage fund to help developing nations rebuild in the wake of climate disasters. But on the more worrying side, a resolution to cause emissions to peak by 2025 was taken out of the final text. For now, we remain on the brink of climate catastrophe.

It’s supposed to be the first ever carbon neutral World Cup. Organisers Fifa and host Qatar say they have implemented sustainability initiatives, taken measures to limit carbon output and will offset greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing credits. Fifa has admitted, however, that the tournament’s carbon footprint will bigger than any of its predecessors, and experts believe emissions have been underestimated, calling into question the claim of carbon neutrality. Madeleine Finlay speaks to sports reporter Paul MacInnes about the environmental burden of building stadiums, flying in players and fans from around the world and keeping the pitches green, and asks whether football is really ready to face up to its carbon footprint. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod