Transcript:

In June and July, billions of people will watch the FIFA Men’s World Cup, united by their passion for soccer – or, football, as it’s known in most countries.

And a nonprofit called Football for Future is mobilizing this huge fan base as a force for climate action.

Founder Elliott Arthur-Worsop says climate change is already harming the sport.

Arthur-Worsop: “With extreme weather events becoming more intense and more frequent, whether this is … very extremely hot temperatures, whether this is the pollution in the air from wildfires, or whether this is waterlogged pitches or crazy storms that make travel impossible.”

As the climate warms, teams will likely encounter even more days when extreme heat or flooding interferes with practices and games.

And a recent report co-authored by Football for Future shows extreme heat will hit hardest in the Global South, where many legendary players got their start.

So the group educates fans about climate change and recruits players to call for action.

Arthur-Worsop: “I believe that football is the most powerful social phenomenon in the world. … The global football community are so many and they are so powerful.”

And when they come together to shoot for climate action, he believes they will win victories around the world.

Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media