In the upcoming summer, the grand inauguration of the 2024 Olympic Games shall grace the enchanting Seine River in the heart of Paris, France. It is essential to acknowledge that preceding Olympic events have left an indelible mark on our environment, with a lamentable depletion of biodiversity and an alarming carbon footprint.
As a prime example, the preceding pair of summer Olympic spectacles which unfolded in Tokyo, Japan and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil had inadvertently contributed to the release of an astounding volume of carbon emissions, with an excess of 2.7 million and 4.5 million tons respectively.
So, what regulations is the Paris Olympic committee implementing this time to reduce the environmental impact?
From the outset, the planning committee made a resolute commitment to ensure that the Olympics would bestow a discernible “positive carbon contribution” legacy upon mankind. That means more carbon will be captured or compensated than emitted.
This assertion is misleading, which is precisely why the board has undertaken a thorough reassessment of its carbon budget and, in its place, pledged to halve the carbon emissions associated with the event.
Although the upcoming Paris Olympics will have a reduced impact compared to previous years, it will still have a noteworthy influence. It is projected that the carbon budget will entail the discharge of 1.58 million tons of CO2. Transportation accounts for the most important share of emissions (34%), followed by operations & logistics (26%), and constructions (25%)
On the latter, substantial efforts have been made. Only one building will be made (the Olympic pool). Thanks to the reuse of existing sports facilities.
The esteemed Olympic Committee has taken a refined and compelling initiative towards carbon footprint analysis for the upcoming 2024 Olympics. Their approach entails a proactive integration of carbon costs, rather than conducting a reactive assessment afterwards.
Furthermore, the organizers have implemented the ARO apporach (Avoid, Reduce, Offset), which prioritizes the avoidance and reduction of carbon emissions before resorting to compensation.
This demonstrates their dedication to not only reducing their carbon footprint, but also taking a conscientious and comprehensive approach towards environmental sustainability. The efforts are commendable in comparison to past Olympic Games.
Nevertheless, there are still numerous challenges that require attention in order to ensure that future significant sporting events contribute to the global fight against the climate crisis.
Reference- Earth Day Network Newsletter, Paris2024 Olympic website, franceinfo: sport, Cambridge University Press story