from the removable stadium to the air conditioning under each seat… The promised “neutral” carbon footprint seems quite utopian

A steel structure that houses 974 red, blue or yellow fishing containers: these are the two main components of the – appropriately named – stadium 974, in Doha (Qatar). This new sports arena will host the group stages of the FIFA World Cup. While we know the opponents of the France team since the draw made on Friday April 1, Qatar presents this competition as “neutral” in carbon footprint, with unprecedented durability. However, the emirate is one of the countries that emit the most CO2 per person.

This 40,000-seat stadium can be completely dismantled and transported. “We can rebuild a stadium of 40,000 places here in Qatar or anywhere in the world. We can also make two stadiums of 20,000 seats or stadiums of 10,000″, proudly presents Mohammad Al Atwaan, project manager. It also ensures that containers can be “reused to make offices on construction sites or toilets for workers”. This 974 stadium is the only one of the eight World Cup facilities that is not air-conditioned. Surrounded by parks and cycle paths, it is the green showcase of this world championship.

Stadium Tour 974a #Doha built for the #FIFAWorldCupQatar2022 : made up of 974 containers, completely dismantled and reassembled in another country, the only non-air-conditioned stadium of the 8 in the world@franceinfo pic.twitter.com/sK59LJEslR

— Emma Sarango (@EmmaSarango) March 30, 2022

South of Doha, a completely different atmosphere. At the Al Janoub stadium, on each side of the lawn, very powerful air vents blow cold air: this is the air conditioning. “The idea is that we arrive at 24 degrees in the center of the lawn as well as between 24 and 27 degrees in the stands., explains William Morales, our guide. Other air conditioners, less strong, are slid under each seat. “On will not turn on the air conditioning if it is not necessary. And, if we plug it in for a game, then we’ll close the roof to keep the air cool for the next day.”, he tries to relativize. In particular, it relies on reasonable temperatures in November.

Visit of the Al Janoub stadium 23km from #dohabuilt for the #FIFAWorldCupQatar2022 presented as “neutral” in terms of carbon footprint… 7 of the 8 stadiums are air-conditioned with this system @franceinfo @France Inter pic.twitter.com/DLzAxVw2Py

— Emma Sarango (@EmmaSarango) March 31, 2022

The huge energy expenditure that is looming therefore seems to make the “neutral” carbon footprint put forward by Qatar very utopian, not to mention that the organizers have recommended that some fans book hotels in Bahrain or the United Arab Emirates, thirty minutes away. from Doha by plane.