Olympics 2024: Not ‘carbon neutral’ but ‘far less polluting’
Paris Olympics Takes Steps to Reduce Carbon Footprint
The Paris Olympics recently announced that they were able to significantly reduce their carbon footprint compared to previous Games, although they are not claiming to be “carbon neutral.” Despite this, they have funded projects to offset their emissions and are committed to sustainability.
The organizers revealed that the Olympics and Paralympics this summer produced 1.59 million tons of carbon dioxide, stemming from various sources such as athlete food, construction, transportation, and energy consumption. While this amount is substantial, it represents a 54.6% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Strategies for Sustainability
Planning ahead and setting reduction targets were crucial for Paris organizers in minimizing their carbon footprint. Every aspect of the event, from venue construction to food choices, was carefully considered to reduce emissions.
Small changes also made a big impact, such as using electricity for the Olympic cauldron and serving plant-based meals to spectators. Additionally, 98.4% of the energy used during the Games was generated from solar or wind sources.
Challenges Faced
While Paris set attendance records with 12.1 million tickets sold, the transportation of spectators added to the carbon footprint. Organizers noted that transport accounted for 53% of the emissions, higher than initially projected.
Despite efforts to offset emissions through funding projects in Africa, Asia, Central America, and France, Paris is not claiming to be completely carbon neutral. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging the impact while working towards sustainability.
Overall, the Paris Olympics serves as a model for future hosts, showcasing the importance of proactive planning and innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact.
