Paris Olympics Set to Be “Most Sustainable” in History

Paris is on track to host the most sustainable Olympic Games in history in 2024.

“By offsetting even more CO2 emissions than those we will emit, we will become the first major sporting event with a positive contribution to the climate,” explains the organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Instead of air conditioning, an underground water-cooling system will be used to keep high temperatures manageable. The city will also rely 95 percent on existing infrastructure – such as using the Seine River for the opening ceremony and aquatic events – rather than constructing something new. What’s more, renewable energy will be used when possible and the venue will offer dishes with less meat. Though environmentalists are hesitant to agree that the 2024 Games will have a “positive” impact on the climate, the estimated numbers are nonetheless encouraging: an expected 1.6 million tons of C02 will be emitted, compared to the 3.5 million tons from the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games.