In the era of global warming, how can a global sporting event with millions of attendees be organized in one city? This is the challenge facing the Paris Olympics this summer.
The organizers are committed to reducing the environmental impact of the games. They aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half compared to recent Olympics. This involves making changes to electricity, food, buildings, and transportation, including the travel emissions of athletes and fans.
Hosting an event that attracts thousands of athletes and millions of spectators will inevitably have an environmental impact. Some have suggested that the Olympics should be held in existing facilities around the world to reduce the need for new construction and air travel. Paris is being closely watched as it addresses these concerns.
The city is making efforts to prioritize sustainable transportation, reduce reliance on diesel generators, and offer more environmentally friendly menu options. Additionally, the organizers are repurposing existing city landmarks for the games, rather than building new structures that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
While these efforts have been met with some controversy, the hope is that they will set a precedent for future Olympics and inspire other cities worldwide. The new buildings being constructed for the games are designed to have a lasting impact beyond the event, benefiting local residents and revitalizing the city’s suburbs.
The Paris 2024 organizing committee is setting ambitious environmental goals, aiming to create a blueprint for large-scale events. Despite some criticism, their efforts to limit new construction are commendable.
2024-03-16 11:56:19
Source from www.nytimes.com