Paris Olympics Special Edition: How are climate change and sustainability impacting the event?

High heat throws curveball at Paris Olympics, climate change at play

• High temperatures in Paris during the 2024 Olympics were four times more likely due to climate change, according to Climate Central’s Climate Heat Index.
• France was under heat warnings with Paris experiencing temperatures of 36°C and southern regions, like Marseille and Nice, reaching up to 41°C.
• Extreme heat poses significant risks to athletes, with potential for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• The average temperature during the Olympics has risen by 3.1°C since 1924, making such extreme temperatures nearly three times more frequent.
• Athletes and experts are concerned about the impact of high temperatures on performance and safety. Calls are made for the sports industry to address climate change more proactively.
• Wealthier nations have arranged for cooling systems for their athletes, but poorer nations may suffer due to lack of such provisions.

As seen on Carbon Copy

Paris 2024 organisers deny claims of two-tier Games in searing Olympic Village rooms

• Paris 2024 organisers faced criticism for not providing air conditioning in the Olympic Village rooms.
• Some teams paid for mobile air conditioning units, creating a perceived "two-tier" system.
• Romanian athlete Bernadette Szocs reported resorting to keeping terrace doors open for relief from the heat.
• Paris 2024 emphasised balancing sustainability with athlete comfort.
• The initiative aimed to reduce carbon emissions, relying on geothermal cooling instead of traditional AC.

"We remind everyone that...we’ve tried to find a balance...between a long-term objective to create a model sustainable neighbourhood...and a short-term responsibility to give high-performance athletes the best conditions," a spokesperson said.

As seen on The Guardian

EY: How is the Olympics Advocating Sustainability in Events?

"‘The Olympic Games are a unique platform to drive sustainable change and set new standards for environmental responsibility,’ said EY Global Sustainability Leader, Brian McGowan.”

• The Olympics are increasingly focusing on sustainability in their event planning and execution.
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has set ambitious sustainability goals, including reducing the carbon footprint of the Games and promoting environmental stewardship.
• Key initiatives include using sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and reducing waste through comprehensive recycling programs.
• The IOC is also encouraging host cities to integrate sustainability into their broader urban development plans.
• Collaborations with stakeholders, including governments and businesses, are crucial to achieving these sustainability targets.
• The goal is for the Olympics to serve as a model for other large-scale events and inspire global sustainability efforts.

As seen on Sustainability Magazine

The long environmental fight behind Tahiti's Olympic surfing events

• Despite initial opposition, the inclusion of Tahiti as a venue for Olympic surfing has led to increased global recognition of its unique surfing spots.
• The event is expected to bring economic benefits to Tahiti through tourism and related activities, providing new opportunities for local businesses.
• The organising committee has committed to implementing measures that prioritise environmental protection, including sustainable practices to minimise impact on marine ecosystems.
• Local surfers and communities are involved in the planning process, ensuring their perspectives and needs are considered.
• Positive collaborations between event organisers and local stakeholders are helping to address concerns and ensure the event contributes to the community in meaningful ways.

As seen on BBC

IOC announces finalists for Climate Action Awards 2024?

• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the finalists for the Climate Action Awards 2024.
• These awards recognise organisations and initiatives making significant contributions to combating climate change through sports.
• The finalists were selected from over 200 applications globally.
• The categories of the awards include sustainable sports infrastructure, climate advocacy, and innovative practices in reducing carbon footprints.
• The winners will be revealed during the IOC Session in October 2024 in Milan.
• The Climate Action Awards aim to inspire and drive further action within the sports community for environmental sustainability.

“Climate change is taking its toll on everyone, and sport is no exception,” said Marie Sallois, the IOC’s Director of Sustainability. “We all have the responsibility to reduce our impact. The IOC Climate Action Awards aim to celebrate those that are driving climate action within the wider Olympic Movement.