FX.co ★ Paris Olympics 2024 to become “greenest-ever” games

Paris, the city renowned for love, fashion, and fine wine, is now setting the stage for the Olympic Games, promising an event that is not just a competition but a true eco-festival. Scheduled for July 26 to August 11, 2024, the 33rd Summer Olympic Games are stirring discussions not only among athletes but also among eco-conscious individuals. Following the Tokyo 2020 Games, which commenced in 2021 due to the pandemic, Paris has embarked on a mission to host the most environmentally sustainable games ever seen. The organizers plan to supply the Olympic Village’s energy needs with geothermal and solar sources. They also aim to incorporate a higher proportion of plant-based options in the event's catering services, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. With the bold claim that their ambitions represent "the greatest challenge to humanity," the organizers are planning 800 sporting events with 15,000 athletes participating. They are also preparing to serve 13 million meals for 45,000 volunteers and millions of spectators, with an emphasis on eco-friendly options. In terms of environmental impact, Paris intends to significantly reduce its environmental footprint by aiming to halve CO2 emissions relative to previous games, with a target of 1.75 million tons. This initiative represents a substantial decrease from the standard 3.5 million tons associated with such large-scale events. An impressive 95% of the competitions will take place in existing facilities, minimizing the environmental impact typically associated with constructing new sports venues. Only one new venue is planned for water sports in Saint-Denis, which will be solar-powered. Regarding the budget, initial state expenditure for the games was estimated at 3 billion euros, but rumors suggest this could climb to 4-5 billion euros. The total preliminary cost for hosting the Summer Games is projected to be around 9 billion euros. As the Paris Olympic Games approach, the city is poised to celebrate this global sporting event within an eco-friendly framework. This initiative not only demonstrates a commitment to sustainability but also sets a new benchmark for future Olympic Games.