Paris Olympics Lead the Way in Sustainability

The 2024 Paris Olympics aim to reduce their carbon footprint by 50% compared to previous events. To achieve this goal, organizers have implemented comprehensive changes across infrastructure, event planning, energy sources, food, and transportation. Additionally, they are supporting social and environmental projects worldwide.

The goal for 2024 is to limit CO2 emissions to around 1.75Mt, in line with the Paris Agreement. Previous Summer Olympics, including Tokyo 2020, Rio 2016, and London 2012, have emitted an average of 3.5Mt of CO2, according to the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee. This has been described as a monumental effort, especially considering that the Tokyo Olympics emitted 1.9Mt of CO2 despite the absence of spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ninety five percent of the Paris 2024 events will take place in existing buildings or temporary infrastructures. This alone represents a significant advantage over past events of this scale, where millions of dollars and natural resources were spent on constructing new facilities. An example of this was the Qatar World Cup, where six new stadiums were built. FIFA data reported that the carbon footprint of the World Cup resulted in 3.6Mt of CO2 emissions, as reported by MBN.

For the Paris Olympics, only one new venue was built from scratch: the Saint-Denis Aquatic Center. This facility operates with solar energy, uses bio-based and recyclable construction materials, and is expected to serve the local community after the event is over. Similarly, the olympic village, which hosts the athletes, will be converted into a neighborhood benefiting 6,000 residents. Additionally, in line with circular economy principles, the furniture in the rooms, including beds, nightstands, duvets, pillows, and chairs, was made from recycled and recyclable materials, such as cardboard, fishing nets, and parachute fabric, and will be recycled or donated after the activities conclude.

Another important element contributing to the sustainability of the Olympic Games is mobility and transportation. Organizers have ensured that most Olympic venues will be accessible by public transportation for both athletes and spectators. Additionally, public transport operators will expand services, and the vehicle fleet will include electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-fueled options. Furthermore, the Paris Tourism Office has made 3,000 rental bikes available to visitors, and 1,000 km of bike lanes and 200,000 new trees have been added to the streets.

Adriana Lira Oliver, Coordinator of the Sustainable Environments Laboratory at the School of Architecture, UNAM, highlighted that the initiatives implemented at Paris 2024 remind us of the need to use resources more efficiently. She emphasized that using sustainable materials, combined with good urban and architectural design, contributes to reducing the carbon footprint. "For centuries, humanity has organized events by reusing existing structures or employing sustainable materials. Based on this experience, we should adopt what works for the benefit of the planet," she said in an interview with Gaceta UNAM.

Paris 2024 also committed to provide locally sourced and primarily plant-based food for staff, athletes, companions, and spectators at the sporting events. Research shows that replacing animal-based proteins with vegetarian alternatives is one of the most effective ways to mitigate climate change at both individual and community levels. A study published in the journal Nature suggests that if we reduce animal product consumption by 50% and replace it with plant-based alternatives, agricultural greenhouse gas emissions could decrease by 31% by 2050. 

According to the International Olympic Committee, Paris has pledged to offset all unavoidable emissions through environmental compensation projects, including those from international spectator travel. "This will be achieved by supporting CO2 prevention and capture projects on all five continents, such as forest and ocean conservation and restoration projects," reads an official statement. According to S&P Global, the event organizers have already secured 1.4Mt of CO2 credits from 13 projects. These initiatives, mainly in Africa, focus on cookstoves, solar power, mangrove restoration, forestry, and clean water. 

Francisco Estrada, Coordinator of the Climate Change Research Program, UNAM, emphasized the impact of climate change on sporting events of this magnitude and how they will have to adapt to ensure their sustainability. "When planning an event, it is essential to consider that the climate is constantly changing. Research articles warn that by 2050, half of the cities currently hosting the Winter Olympics will no longer be suitable due to insufficient ice or snow," he stated in an interview with Gaceta UNAM.

The researcher emphasized that to mitigate the effects of climate change in sports and daily life, it is necessary to transition to more efficient technologies that require less energy and, moreover, obtain it from renewable sources. "We must engage and be more responsible with the environment," Estrada said.