Paris 2024 Olympics Focus on Sustainability

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, athletes are leveraging their platforms to raise awareness about environmental issues, with notable figures like Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal and USA Women’s Rugby Sevens player Alena Olsen championing sustainability initiatives. The organizers have prioritized low-carbon construction methods, aiming for 95% of structures to utilize existing or temporary venues and achieving a 30% reduction in carbon emissions compared to previous Olympics. However, experts argue that merely reducing construction emissions is insufficient for true sustainability, highlighting the significant carbon footprint associated with the event's size and the influx of spectators. The ongoing heat wave in Europe adds urgency to discussions about the environmental impact of large sporting events, prompting adaptations such as rescheduling events to cooler times. As global temperatures rise, the health risks to athletes and fans necessitate a focus on sustainability in sports. While the Paris Games aim for significant carbon cuts, balancing the event's scale with environmental responsibility remains a critical challenge.