Germany, Portugal, and Switzerland are the only national teams out of the 24 participating in the EURO 2024 football tournament that have opted to cut out flying during the event. Transport & Environment (T&E) has highlighted that national teams could reduce their emissions by up to 60% if they choose to travel by train or coach instead. T&E’s analysis found that switching to sustainable modes of transport could significantly reduce emissions, but the majority of teams have yet to make such a commitment.
Despite efforts by UEFA and host Germany to promote sustainable travel during the tournament, only three teams have pledged to cut out flying. T&E’s Travel Smart Campaigner, Erin Vera, emphasized the potential for teams to lead by example in reducing emissions through their travel choices. Favorite teams like France, with top players such as Kylian Mbappé and England’s Harry Kane, could significantly lower their carbon footprint by opting for train or coach travel instead of flying. France, for example, could reduce their CO2 emissions by 97% in the group stage alone if they switch completely from air to rail or road travel.
The tournament will feature matches across 10 German cities, with efforts to reduce transport emissions being a key focus. Group stage matches have been scheduled in close proximity to minimize travel time and related emissions. UEFA and Germany have worked to promote train travel for both teams and fans, recognizing that transport accounts for 80% of the tournament’s emissions. Ticket holders will receive a 36-hour travel card for use on public transport in the host cities, while the Deutsche Bahn is offering reduced prices for travel around the country to further encourage sustainable transportation options.
National teams have been urged by T&E and other climate groups across Europe to commit to more sustainable travel practices. While Germany has pledged not to fly during the group stage, Switzerland has agreed to travel by bus to their basecamp in Stuttgart. Portugal also plans to shift to road travel for two out of three matches during the group phase and has expressed intentions to report travel emissions during the tournament. By setting reduction targets for future tournaments such as the World Cup, teams can work towards a more eco-friendly approach to travel and reduce their overall carbon footprint.
In light of efforts to promote sustainability within the EURO 2024 football tournament, there is a growing recognition of the environmental impact of travel emissions. National teams have the opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate the benefits of choosing sustainable transport options. By opting for trains or coaches over flying, teams can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more environmentally friendly event. With only a few teams currently committed to sustainable travel, there is potential for others to follow suit and make a positive impact on reducing emissions during the tournament.
