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About this episode

The episode discusses the environmental costs of the 2026 World Cup and explores alternative models for sustainable sports.

The 2026 World Cup is expected to be the most environmentally costly yet. But are there alternative models that provide sporting thrills without the carbon cost? Helen Czerski and Qasa Alom consider the climate impact of the biggest events and the impact of climate on sport at every level. Whether you're a hugely rich footballer sweltering in a World Cup final or a kid who can't play on a waterlogged pitch, the problem- and perhaps the solution - are the same. Qasa and Helen are joined by Norwegian international footballer Morten Thorsby and Claire Poole of Sports Positive to discuss the upcoming World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. Professor of Global History at Oxford University and batsmen for the Croatian national cricket team, Peter Frankopan and Indian cricketer and commentator Abhishek Jhunjhuwn consider the impact of a warming climate on players, professional and amateur, who play their sport in the full glare of the sun for up to eight hours. Producers: Alasdair Cross and Robin Markwell Assistant Producers: Toby Field and Rebecca Rooney Rare Earth is produced in association with the Open University.

People in this episode

Hosts: Helen Czerski, Qasa Alom

Guests: Morten Thorsby, Claire Poole

Topics covered

• environmental impact
• sports
• climate change
• World Cup
• football
• cricket

Keywords

• 2026 World Cup
• environment
• climate impact
• sports
• football
• cricket
• sustainability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4, Open University

Places: US, Canada, Mexico

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