The 2024 Paris Olympics is aiming to be the greenest edition ever, aligned with the Paris climate agreement. The idea of having environmentally friendly games was first introduced in April 2021 by the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG). Initially, the goal was to achieve carbon neutrality by removing more greenhouse gases from the atmosphere than what the games would generate. However, the concept of net zero emissions was later dropped in subsequent communications.
The question now arises whether the promise of having “green games” can actually be fulfilled. The Paris Olympics aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half compared to the Rio 2016 or London 2012 Games, which released an estimated average of 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. It is important to note that both of these previous games were considered to be among the least environmentally friendly in history. There have been criticisms regarding the methodology used to calculate emissions, leading the International Olympics Committee to release a standardized carbon footprint calculation framework for the Olympic games in 2018.
The maximum carbon budget set for the Paris 2024 Olympics is 1.58 Mt CO2 eq, which is a challenging target, especially when considering that the Tokyo 2020 Games, held during a pandemic without spectators, still generated almost 2 Mt CO? eq. The major sources of emissions during mega-events like the Olympics are traditionally transportation of participants, construction of buildings, and infrastructure development.
The carbon footprint of the 2024 Olympics is divided into three main parts: travel by participants and spectators, construction, and operations. The exact carbon footprint of the upcoming Olympics will only be known once the event takes place. Factors such as construction materials, participation numbers, and transportation methods will all influence the final emissions.
To reduce emissions, the Paris Olympics organizers have taken steps to limit construction, with 95% of infrastructure at competition venues either existing or temporary. New buildings are designed to emit less CO2 than average structures. The Olympic village on the outskirts of Paris aims to have a 30% smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional construction projects.
The games are planned to be powered by 100% renewable energy sources, including photovoltaics, geothermal systems, and biofuel-powered generators. Additionally, catering will include vegetarian meals to reduce the carbon impact. Carbon offsets are also being considered to finance projects that offset the greenhouse gases emitted during the event.
While the expected carbon footprint per person for the 2024 Olympics is relatively low compared to the annual average in Europe, efforts to align mega-events with international climate goals are necessary. It is essential for host cities to use these events as opportunities to promote sustainable practices and contribute to the region’s energy and climate transition.
In conclusion, reimagining mega-events like the Olympic Games to be more sustainable and in line with global climate targets is crucial. By implementing innovative solutions, reducing emissions, and promoting sustainability, these events can have a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a greener future.
