Norway supports ”green” World Cup Soccer 2010

Thursday 17 April: Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg today visited Soweto’s Soccer City Stadium in South Africa, to launch Norway’s support for a “green” World Cup Soccer 2010. The Norwegian Government is ready to grant NOK 8.5 million to measures reducing CO2 emissions during the championship.

“It is really very positive that major events drawing global attention support vital matters concerning us all, as environmental and climate issues”, Stoltenberg said at Soccer City Stadium.

South African authorities have asked a number of countries to contribute to making World Cup Soccer 2010 as environment and climate friendly as possible.

“I welcome South Africa’s intention to stage a “green” World Cup Soccer 2010. One component of the project is to achieve the lowest carbon emissions possible. The Norwegian Government will initially grant NOK 500.000 for a survey to identify good carbon-reducing measures. If the survey is successful we will grant an additional NOK 8 million to a ”green” World Cup Soccer 2010”, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said at Soweto’s Soccer City Stadium – one of the major stadiums for the 2010 World Cup.