South Africa's carbon footprint for 2010, the year it hosted the football World Cup, was lower than previously expected, says a new United Nations report, which highlights the successes and lessons that other countries must learn to ensure the sustainability of major international sporting events.
The report, produced by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), shows that South Africa's 2010 carbon footprint was 1.65 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, just 60 per cent of the figure that had been initially projected. This was partly due to fewer visitors than expected, carpooling and park and ride schemes, cutting energy use by 30 per cent, and using solar-powered technology and renewable energy.
...