# World Cup Travel Accounts for 80% of Emissions The climate cost of mega-events is under scrutiny. - **Source:** [Science Latest](https://brifing.si/source/ebc20f22-8d1a-4ae4-ba4c-efcd0853ba19) - **Published:** 2026-07-20 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/93da2ce7-7cd4-4c53-a3cd-150d85e29724 ## The Climate Cost of Mega-Events Major events like the FIFA World Cup generate cultural and economic value but also significant greenhouse gas emissions. A new study by the University of Cambridge evaluates their climate impact. ## Travel's Share of Emissions 82% of the total emissions from the 2026 World Cup are attributed to spectator travel. International travel alone accounts for approximately 3.07 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent. ## Coldplay's Exemplary Effort During Coldplay's 2024 European tour, emissions from fan travel decreased by 48% due to fans opting for low-carbon travel methods. This highlights the importance of collaboration between organizers and attendees. ## Balancing Economic and Climate Costs Researchers propose a framework comparing the economic benefits of mega-events with their climate costs. In the cases of the World Cup and Coldplay's tour, economic benefits outweighed climate costs. ## The Role of Organizers and Spectators Researchers argue that organizers should be responsible for direct emissions, while spectators should share responsibility for indirect emissions. Incentives for low-carbon travel are recommended. ## Measures for the Future Climate change threatens the future of mega-events. Organizers and spectators must work together to reduce emissions. Otherwise, the sustainability of these events will be in question. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.wired.com/story/new-research-estimates-most-emissions-came-from-fan-travel/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._