Read in your native language
english german italian french spanish mandarin arabic portuguese russian japanese hindi bengali punjabi urdu korean vietnamese thai malay indonesian persian turkish polish ukrainian greek romanian hungarian dutch swedish norwegian finnish danish hebrew czech slovak bulgarian serbian croatian slovenian
Paris 2024: A New Era of Sustainability in the Olympics
The organising committee of Paris 2024 has committed to making it the greenest Olympic Games in history, with a target to halve the carbon footprint compared to the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games. London 2012 had an estimated footprint of 3.3 million tonnes, while Rio 2016 recorded 3.6 million tonnes. This year’s Olympics hold special significance as they take place in the city where world leaders pledged to control global warming during the 2015 Climate Accords. The 2024 Games will emphasize sustainable practices, introducing innovative measures from tables crafted from shuttlecocks to plant-based menus.
Perspectives Involved
- Organisers of Paris 2024: Their benefit lies in establishing a positive legacy of sustainability while potentially attracting eco-conscious sponsors. However, they risk backlash if initiatives fail to meet their ambitious goals.
- International Olympic Committee (IOC): The IOC aims for a greener Olympic image, yet there is the challenge of balancing sustainability with the commercial pressures from sponsors like Coca Cola, a major plastic polluter.
- Athletes: Competitors may benefit from improved facilities and an eco-friendly atmosphere, yet concerns over extreme heat and water quality tests for the River Seine could pose risks to their performance.
- Spectators: Attendees can enjoy a greener event but may face logistical challenges in accessing low-emission travel options, especially if the spectator travel accounts for 80% of emissions.
- Local Environment and Communities: A successful Paris 2024 may enhance local eco-systems. Nevertheless, failure to address urban issues could endanger biodiversity.
Benefits, Risks & Losses
The move toward sustainability brings numerous benefits, such as reducing the carbon footprint, promoting local agriculture, and enhancing the reputation of the Olympic brand. Sustainability initiatives involve low-carbon construction, use of recycled materials, and reducing reliance on diesel generators.
However, risks include potential difficulties in reaching sustainability targets, backlash from environmental groups, and logistical challenges stemming from large crowds and transportation. There’s also the possibility of losses in economic opportunities if the measures adversely affect tourism or local businesses reliant on traditional practices.
Relevancy Meter
This meter indicates the relevancy of the 2024 Olympics sustainability efforts as a contemporary issue notwithstanding the historical significance of past Games.
Conclusion
Paris 2024's green initiatives set a promising precedent for future events, highlighting the Olympic movement’s potential to address urgent climate challenges. Achieving their sustainability goals will require continuous efforts and commitment from all parties.
Keywords: Paris 2024, Olympic Games, carbon footprint, sustainability
Author: Andrej Dimov
Published on: 2024-07-28 20:37:50
