Paris Olympics demonstrate how major events can lead in sustainable innovation, while also navigating the complexities of a warming planet.

Europe is currently experiencing a significant heat wave, and athletes participating in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris are contending with high temperatures. As global temperatures rise, events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup are increasingly forced to adapt to extreme weather conditions to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators.

The Olympic Games, in particular, have a vested interest in sustainability as climate change increasingly poses risks to athletes, spectators, and the future of sports. For winter sports, the threat is acute, with warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns shortening seasons and even necessitating artificial snow, as seen in the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. The International Olympic Committee has delayed decisions on future Winter Games host cities due to these uncertainties.

In response to the growing environmental challenges, major sports organizations, including the Olympics, have implemented measures to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather. These include scheduling events at cooler times and providing additional hydration and rest periods for athletes.

The Paris Olympics have embraced sustainability as a core principle, reflecting a long-standing commitment that dates back to the inclusion of sustainability in the Olympic Charter in 1996. The 2012 London Olympics set a precedent by establishing an international certification standard for sustainable event management, influencing subsequent Games.

For the 2024 Paris Olympics, the organizers have committed to using 100% renewable energy from wind and solar for event operations. They are also utilizing existing venues where possible, constructing new facilities with low-carbon concrete and recycled materials, and incorporating thousands of seats made from recycled plastic.