The Paris 2024 Olympics are set to be the greenest in history, aiming to cut the carbon footprint by half compared to previous Games like London 2012 and Rio 2016. This commitment aligns with the symbolic significance of Paris, where the Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The organisers have implemented a comprehensive approach to sustainability, including using 100% renewable electricity for all venues, repurposing existing buildings, and focusing on sustainable transportation options.
The Paris 2024 Olympics have already surpassed previous Games in several key areas of sustainability. While earlier events made some strides, Paris has adopted a comprehensive approach that goes beyond mere promises, setting and achieving several ambitious targets12
Sustainability at Paris 2024
Energy and Emissions: The Paris 2024 Olympics aim to reduce carbon emissions by 50% compared to previous Games. This ambitious goal includes a commitment to using 100% renewable electricity for all venues, which are connected to the grid to avoid temporary energy solutions. Innovations such as hydrogen, biofuel, or battery-powered alternatives to diesel, and a 4,680 sq. metre solar panel roof on the new aquatic centre, are key components of this strategy12.
Venues and Infrastructure: A major part of the sustainability plan involves repurposing existing venues, with 95% of the venues being either existing buildings or temporary facilities. Many events will take place at the Stade de France. The new aquatic centre is designed to serve the community long after the Games, and parts of the Olympic Village will be converted into housing and workspaces for local residents34.
Transportation: Transportation is a major focus for reducing the carbon footprint of the Paris 2024 Olympics. All venues are connected via public transport, and over 400 kilometers of new bike lanes have been introduced. The transport fleet for athletes and staff includes electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles, achieving a 37% reduction in the Olympic fleet compared to previous Games. Additionally, many teams from European countries, including some athletes from Team GB, have opted for the Eurostar to travel to Paris, further reducing their carbon footprint12.
Food and Waste Management: Efforts to cut down on waste include plans to halve single-use plastics and ensure that all catering equipment and infrastructure are reusable after the Games. The amount of plant-based food for spectators has been doubled to halve the carbon footprint of meals. With 80% of food produced locally, the Games aim to support local businesses while reducing emissions34.
The Right Approach?: Paris 2024 Olympics
Using Carbon Offsetting: Paris 2024 has committed to offsetting 100% of unavoidable carbon emissions related to the Games. The program has already purchased nearly 1.5 million tonnes worth of carbon credits, funding projects such as forest preservation in Guatemala, conservation in Kenya’s Chyulu Hills, and clean cooking stoves in Kenya and Nigeria. However, reliance on carbon offsets has drawn criticism as it does not reduce the carbon dioxide already produced, which continues to contribute to global warming. Additionally, the convenience of offsetting can divert attention from more direct solutions to reduce carbon emissions at the source12.
Transparency and Feasibility: Critics argue that the language around the sustainability claims is vague and lacks detailed transparency. The transition from claiming ‘climate positive’ status to focusing on emission reduction and offsetting has sparked doubts about the actual environmental impact. One specific criticism revolves around the surfing event set to take place in Tahiti. While chosen for its natural beauty, the environmental impact of travel and potential harm to local ecosystems, like coral reefs, contradicts the Games’ green promises34.
Corporate Sponsorships: The selection of sponsors, many of whom are not recognised for their climate leadership, has also faced scrutiny. The absence of climate criteria in sponsor selection can be seen as a missed opportunity to leverage the Olympics’ influence to promote corporate climate responsibility56.
Summary: Paris 2024’s sustainability efforts face criticism for reliance on carbon offsets, lack of transparency, and sponsor selection
The Future: Paris Olympics 2024
Despite the inherent challenges, the Paris 2024 Olympics present a unique opportunity to set new standards for sustainability in large-scale events. With bold goals for reducing carbon emissions, managing resources efficiently, and promoting social inclusivity, the Games are poised to make a significant impact. However, achieving these ambitious objectives will require ongoing transparency, rigorous implementation, and an unwavering commitment to climate action and sustainability12.
As Georgina Grenon, the Director of Environmental Excellence for the Paris 2024 Olympics, remarked, “We say that sustainability is a collective sport. Will everything be perfect? No, right? We cannot say that. We’re still working very, very hard to go as far as we can”3.
As the world watches, the Paris 2024 Olympics not only celebrate athletic excellence but also offer a compelling example of how major events can drive climate action and social progress. While perfection might be elusive, the commitment to continual improvement and meaningful action sets a powerful precedent.
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