Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an economic framework to evaluate major events through a climate lens, studying the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Coldplay's 2024 European tour. The World Cup's expansion to 48 teams is projected to produce approximately 4.23 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent—matching Iceland's entire annual emissions—with international fan travel accounting for 82 percent of the total. If spectators absorbed the full climate cost, the researchers estimated it would add roughly $114 per ticket.

The analysis revealed starkly different outcomes for emissions reduction strategies. Coldplay's tour demonstrated significant potential for changing fan behaviour, with an app highlighting low-carbon transport options and merchandise discounts for environmentally conscious travel reducing journey-related emissions by 48 percent and overall tour emissions by 46 percent compared to a typical tour. Using an economic framework that weighs spectator and organiser benefits against climate costs, the researchers concluded both events' economic value justified proceeding under current carbon pricing models—though they noted this conclusion could shift if the societal cost of carbon is valued more substantially.