The survey results confirm the potential that Real Betis has as an entity due to the high level of engagement with its fans and the community, as well as the expectations they convey regarding their involvement in the fight against climate change.
Football For Climate Justice, a project funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus Sport program, to which the Real Betis Foundation belongs, is an innovative project that brings together European football clubs, associations,and researchers to address the climate crisis with the aim of involving the football world in climate change prevention measures, generating environmental actions that contribute to the fulfillment of SDG 13.
This report is part of the European project Football for Climate Justice and is based on a survey conducted with 1,432 individuals, including fans and members of the community, from the seven football clubs belonging to the project partnership (Ferencvarósi TC, FC Twente, FC St. Pauli, SV Werder Bremen, Bohemian FC, and hosts Club Brujas, as well as FUNDACIÓN LALIGA, TASC Thinktank, and EFDN), between February and March 2023. The aim of this research is to understand the challenges in climate and environmental justice faced by local fans of football clubs and members of their communities. The results of this survey will be used as part of the Football for Climate Justice project to explore how football clubs can participate in and support community-led climate action.
Through this survey, the Football for Climate Justice project acknowledges the significant role that football clubs can and should play in the fight for climate justice. Regarding specific climate issues, data highlights difficulties in paying energy bills, as up to 41% indicate experiencing this circumstance.
Regarding specific climate issues, data highlights difficulties in paying energy bills, as up to 41% indicate experiencing this circumstance. It is also noteworthy that 81% perceive that other homes in their neighborhood need energy efficiency improvements.
In terms of mobility, it is specified that a measure that would facilitate fans’ bicycle travel to the stadium would be to have specific parking for this sustainable mode of transportation.
Regarding waste, there is an expectation from 78% of respondents for clubs to reduce them.
On the other hand, it is worth noting that a large majority of respondents (88%) report having access to accessible local food products.
The report and surveys presented above represent a first step in the joint effort that the organizations involved in the Football for Climate Justice project are making to identify the most relevant elements that will enable football clubs to achieve their full potential in the global challenge of climate justice, relying first and foremost on the vision and perception of the community as a key actor and driver of this crucial process that we face as a society at all levels.
