Olympic Swimming Events in Seine River Criticized

Olympic organizers in Paris faced significant backlash for their decision to allow athletes to swim in the Seine River, betting against the extreme weather effects of climate change. Heavy rains in recent weeks raised bacteria levels, leading to the postponement of the men's triathlon, as recent tests showed the water met safety standards just in time for the event. Scientists criticized this decision, asserting that the organizers underestimated the risks associated with increased rainfall linked to climate change, with Metin Duran, an engineering professor, stating it was akin to 'flipping a coin' for a dry season. Kathy Jacobs, a climate scientist, emphasized the need to take climate threats seriously, noting that the preparations focused more on cybersecurity than on extreme weather scenarios. Despite Paris's ambitions to reduce the carbon footprint of the games and improve water quality through a significant infrastructure investment, the persistent rains have raised doubts about the feasibility of swimming events. With Paris experiencing its rainiest year in three decades, the risk of E. coli contamination looms large, threatening a signature aspect of the Olympics.