Sustainability Magazine June 2026 | Page 151

MEGHNA TARE
DECARBONISATION
The four pillars of FIFA’ s climate strategy
• Educate the global football workforce on climate-related impacts and climatefriendly solutions.
• Adapt football regulations and activities to be more resilient to current and anticipated impacts of climate change.
• Reduce the carbon emissions of FIFA and football to contribute to the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework objectives.
• Invest in climate protection and support football stakeholders with access to know-how to tackle the impacts of climate change.

MEGHNA TARE

TITLE: CSO FOR NORTH TEXAS FWC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE FOR DALLAS
COMPANY: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON( UTA)
LOCATION: DALLAS, TEXAS
Meghna leads sustainability strategy and stakeholder engagement for the FIFA World Cup’ s work in host city Dallas. She focuses on reducing environmental impact while advancing community benefit, innovation and resilience across operations, research and major events.
The organisation has pledged to achieve 50 % carbon emissions reduction by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040.
“ Football also has the power to radically shift mindsets on climate change and mainstream climate action,” explains Isha Johansen, FIFA Council member.“ We have a huge, attentive audience and it is our duty to amplify these key messages. We will help educate fans on climate change and encourage them to play their part in protecting the planet and the beautiful game. We have a moral, urgent duty to accelerate our action. Our commitment to protecting our climate remains unwavering.”
Regional approach for international impact When it comes to translating the organisation’ s wider sustainability strategy into the tournament, partners and regional heads – including Meghna Tare, Chief Sustainability Officer for FIFA Host City Dallas – are playing a large role.
“ This has been a privilege,” Meghna says.“ Not everyone gets to be part of something this significant. I just want Dallas to shine on the world stage – and do it responsibly.” Across all 16 host cities, a collaboration between FIFA and the Arbor Day Foundation aims to plant one million trees. The reforestation project will deliver 19 forest projects and 20 community planting events, supported by 24 local partners and is projected to span more than 2,000 acres, roughly equivalent to 1,000 football pitches.“ This can’ t be just for two months,” Meghna explains.“ What we do now must set the stage for future events. It’ s about legacy and learning.”
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