As global sports grow to unprecedented scales, so too are the climate costs associated with the industry, particularly from aviation-related emissions, according to a recent report.

With sporting bodies riding a wave of record-breaking media rights revenues, urgent investment is needed in high-quality, durable carbon removal solutions, finds Stockholm-based impact firm Milkywire’s The Climate Cost of Growth in Sport report, which outlines how expansion strategies – like increasing the number of games and hosting tournaments across multiple continents – are driving significant rises in Scope 3 emissions, particularly from team and fan travel.

FIFA’s upcoming 2026 World Cup, for instance, is projected to generate over nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, a staggering 400% increase over previous editions due to its 48-team format and sprawling North American footprint.

Despite public sustainability commitments, most governing bodies fall short on actual delivery. FIFA for example, which claims to aim for net zero by 2040, failed to meet its carbon neutrality pledge for Qatar 2022.

Only durable carbon removal can credibly offset fossil fuel emissions, the report stresses, yet most offsetting programmes rely on low-quality or short-lived credits, undermining public trust and actual climate impact.

Formula One and E, both popular across Asia, are also spotlighted. Formula One has made progress in cutting emissions through remote operations and sustainable aviation fuel, the report notes, but it omits fan travel from its carbon accounting. Formula E, despite including spectator emissions, still relies on offsets misaligned with the scale and duration of its fossil fuel emissions.

Asian sports markets, particularly cricket in India, football in Japan and South Korea, and growing Olympic aspirations across Southeast Asia, the report points out, are likely to replicate the expansionary trends observed in Western sports events and venues.

As a timely blueprint, the report suggests, the industry should dedicate a portion of its growing revenues ( 1% to 2% ) to verified, long-duration carbon removal, publish transparent Scope 3 emissions inventories ( including fan travel ) and restructure scheduling to minimize travel intensity.

While “big games have led to big emissions”, the report concludes, there is still time on the clock for the sports industry to win on climate. Asia’s sporting authorities and owners also have the opportunity to break away from the same high-emission playbook and set a new standard for sustainable competition.

As sport enjoys an unparalleled global platform and fan loyalty, the report argues, it has a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to lead in climate action.