Business opinion Embracing Green: The Paris Olympics Show the Way Forward in the Face of Climate Change
Opinion
CIO Bulletin
2024-07-29
The 2024 Paris Olympics set a new standard for sustainability, demonstrating how major sporting events can adapt and lead the way in environmental responsibility.
Europe is experiencing a significant heatwave, and athletes gathering in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games are not exempt from the rising temperatures. As global warming intensifies, major sports events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup have had to adjust to extreme heat and weather conditions to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators.
The adaptation strategies include rescheduling events, like moving marathons to early mornings or cooler cities, as seen with FIFA shifting the 2022 Men's World Cup in Qatar to November. However, the challenges posed by climate change have led some to question whether such large-scale events should continue. Brian P. McCullough, Program Chair of Sport Management and Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan, argues that these events are crucial for promoting sustainability and influencing global behavior.
The Paris Olympics, taking place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, with the Paralympic Games following in late August, are pioneering new standards in sustainability. The event's organizers have committed to using 100% renewable energy, constructing venues with low-carbon materials, and ensuring all temporary structures and furniture have a second life after the games. Public transportation accessibility is also prioritized to minimize vehicle emissions.
While the Games' carbon footprint remains a concern, particularly due to international travel, the goal is to significantly reduce emissions compared to previous Olympics in London and Rio. This commitment highlights the potential of large sporting events to serve as platforms for sustainable practices and environmental education.
The Paris Games aim to not only demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable event management but also inspire individuals and communities to adopt more eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, the 2024 Olympics offer a hopeful vision of how global events can adapt and lead by example in environmental stewardship.
Digital-marketing
Artificial-intelligence
Lifestyle-and-fashion
Food-and-beverage