Can the Paris 2024 Olympics deliver on their green promises?

The Olympic Games have long been a global spectacle, showcasing athletic prowess and unity. However, in recent years, the focus has shifted towards ensuring that these events are also environmentally sustainable. With the Paris 2024 Olympics promising to be the greenest yet, many are questioning whether these claims will hold up under scrutiny.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has committed to making sustainability a core aspect of the Olympic Games. The Paris 2024 Olympics aims to halve the average total carbon emissions of previous Games, a significant step towards a more sustainable future. The Organising Committee has been working since 2017 to limit the Games’ environmental impact by avoiding heavy investment in new infrastructure and focusing on the reuse of existing buildings and temporary structures.

Innovative Solutions

One of the most notable innovations for Paris 2024 is the use of recycled materials and renewable energy. The Aquatics Centre, the only new permanent venue, is built with recycled materials and powered by solar energy. The Athletes’ Village will use solar and geothermal power, with beds made from recycled fishing nets and reinforced cardboard. This commitment to using sustainable materials and energy sources is a significant step forward.

Transportation remains one of the biggest challenges for making the Olympics green. The Paris 2024 Games aim to address this by promoting public transport and creating 1,000 km of cycle lanes to limit emissions. Despite these efforts, the carbon footprint due to travel is expected to be significant, highlighting the need for innovative solutions in this area.

Past Lessons

The history of the Olympics shows a mixed record on sustainability. While the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games were the first to be proclaimed as sustainable, subsequent Games have struggled to meet these standards. For example, the Rio 2016 Olympics faced criticism for their limited positive social impact and overestimated economic benefits. These past lessons underscore the importance of realistic planning and execution.

Sustainability Strategy

The IOC’s Sustainability Strategy covers five inter-related focus areas: infrastructure and natural sites, sourcing and resource management, mobility, workforce, and climate. This holistic approach aims to integrate sustainability into all aspects of the Games, from planning to execution. The strategy also aligns with global policies such as the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Environmental Benefits

Hosting the Olympics can bring significant environmental benefits if done correctly. The Games provide an opportunity to raise awareness of climate action and low-carbon technologies. For instance, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics introduced hydrogen stations and fuel cell buses as part of Japan’s long-term vision to achieve carbon neutrality. These initiatives can serve as a model for future events.

Independent Evaluations

Despite the ambitious goals, independent evaluations suggest that the overall sustainability of the Olympic Games has declined over time. A study evaluating the sustainability of the Games from 1992 to 2020 found that no Olympics scored in the top category of their model. The Salt Lake City 2002 Games were the most sustainable, while Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 were the least sustainable. This highlights the need for continuous improvement and independent oversight.

Community and Legacy

A key aspect of sustainable Olympics is the legacy they leave behind. The Paris 2024 Games have committed to ensuring that 100% of products for temporary infrastructure and venues will be reused or recycled. This focus on legacy planning aims to benefit the local community long after the Games have ended.

Global Impact

The IOC’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the Games themselves. Initiatives like the Olympic Forest, which aims to plant around 590,000 native trees across Mali and Senegal, contribute to global efforts to address climate change. This project is part of the Great Green Wall initiative, which restores degraded landscapes across Africa’s Sahel region.

Challenges Ahead

While the Paris 2024 Olympics have set ambitious sustainability goals, achieving them will not be without challenges. The environmental impact of hosting such a large-scale event is significant, and balancing the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability is complex. However, the innovative approaches being implemented offer hope for a greener future.

Public Perception

Public perception plays a crucial role in the success of sustainable initiatives. The IOC and the Paris 2024 Organising Committee must ensure transparency and accountability to maintain public trust. Clear communication about the steps being taken and the progress made will be essential in garnering support from the global community.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the lessons learned from Paris 2024 will be invaluable for future Olympic Games. The commitment to sustainability must continue to evolve, incorporating new technologies and practices. By setting a high standard, the Paris 2024 Olympics have the potential to inspire other large-scale events to prioritize sustainability.

While the Paris 2024 Olympics have made significant strides towards being the greenest Games yet, the true test will be in their execution and lasting impact. With innovative solutions, a strong sustainability strategy, and lessons from past Games, there is hope that the Olympics can indeed be as green as promised. However, continuous improvement and independent evaluations will be crucial in ensuring that these promises are fulfilled.