Empowered by Meg Ryan: How the global soccer family can save rainforests and fight climate change

24-12-04

How the Global Soccer Family Can Save Rainforests and Fight Climate Change

We Play Green, in partnership with Rainforest Foundation Norway, is leveraging the global passion for soccer to drive a green movement. Our goal is to inspire politicians and decision-makers to take decisive action against deforestation, preserving rainforests and addressing the climate crisis.

Deforestation contributes to 10-15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By joining forces, We Play Green and Rainforest Foundation Norway aim to protect rainforests and ensure a sustainable climate for future generations.

 


“The partnership between We Play Green and Rainforest Foundation Norway has many of the ingredients that we need to solve this big global crisis. They can help us reach the masses, and we can come with the latest knowledge and provide input on how we can get the political change needed.”
— Anders Haug Larsen, Director of International Advocacy, Rainforest Foundation Norway

 


“We Play Green believes that saving the rainforest is crucial to addressing the climate crisis. Soccer reaches over 5 billion people. By using our voices, we can engage the masses to drive significant change.”
— Morten Thorsby, Professional Soccer Player and Founder of We Play Green

 

Empowered Documentary Featuring Meg Ryan

The US documentary series “Empowered,” presented by Meg Ryan, highlights the efforts of We Play Green and Rainforest Foundation Norway. The series showcases how the global soccer community can combat deforestation and climate change. Featuring Norwegian soccer player Morten Thorsby, founder of We Play Green, the episode will air on PBS TV-stations in the USA from December 2024 to March 2025, with an educational campaign on ESPN.

The Importance of Rainforests

Rainforests are vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots, capturing over 1000 billion tons of CO2 and housing up to 80% of land-based species. Indigenous and local communities play a crucial role in forest management, and Rainforest Foundation Norway supports their land rights.

COP30: A Critical Climate Crossroads

The COP30 UN climate summit in Brazil, November 2025, is a pivotal moment for global climate action. We Play Green and Rainforest Foundation Norway will raise awareness through events and campaigns, mobilizing the soccer community to advocate for deforestation prevention by 2030.

Together, We Play Green and Rainforest Foundation Norway are harnessing the power of soccer to stop deforestation and protect our planet.

We are actively seeking partners for this project – join us in this vital mission!

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