FC Bayern and Allianz Arena members of the Climate Pact 2040

First a panel discussion on sustainability with FC Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, followed by a speech by Bavarian State Minister for Environmental and Consumer Protection Affairs Thorsten Glauber, and then Dreesen, Glauber and Jürgen Muth (managing director of Allianz Arena GmbH) pressed the button that lit up the Allianz Arena in Bavarian climate stripes on Thursday evening to mark the state reception on climate protection at Bayern’s home ground.

It was a visible sign of sustainable commitment. Bayern and Allianz Arena GmbH had previously signed up to be part of the Climate Pact 2040. The club and the company that manages the stadium have been members of the Bavarian Climate Alliance since 2015 and are committed to the Bavarian state government's climate protection goals in order to strengthen the partnership between the state and civil society. “We are delighted to join the Bavarian Climate Pact, which was established this year in addition to the Climate Initiative, as founding members,” said Dreesen. “The aim is to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, which is a major goal and we still have a lot to do. And we will do our best to achieve it. We are convinced that this can only be achieved with strong partners, in line with ‘Mitnand’, Bayern's sustainability strategy.”

Muth welcomed the 150 invited guests from politics, business and society as host with the introductory words “Each of us, whether professionally or privately, can make our contribution to a better environmental balance”. Minister Glauber, who has been a Bayern fan since the age of four and this year marks 50 years of being a supporter, then explained how the Free State of Bavaria and its partners are working to achieve the climate targets in order to tackle climate change. Dreesen and Glauber were joined on stage for the panel discussion by representatives of the AOK and the Bund Naturschutz Bayern.

“Motivate people to get involved”

After a group photo of all Climate Alliance members on the Allianz Arena pitch and another in front of the stadium façade illuminated in climate stripes, the topic of sustainability was explored in greater depth in many rounds of talks. “Bavaria aims to become climate-neutral by 2040. Every contribution counts,” said Glauber. “We want to motivate people to get involved. With its bright colours, the Allianz Arena makes climate change in Bavaria visible. The exterior façade of Bayern's stadium is an impressive projection screen for 96 years of climate history in Bavaria. The Allianz Arena is becoming Bavaria's best-known advertising space for climate protection.” This special lighting was also implemented using LED technology and 100 percent green electricity.

The participants in the Climate Pact 2040 have made a voluntary commitment to their responsibility for environmental and climate protection and support the climate goals of the Free State of Bavaria, the Federal Republic of Germany, the European Union and the global community, as set out in the Paris Agreement.