Paris 2024: The Greenest Olympics Yet

Paris 2024 aims to be the greenest Olympics by using materials like recycled plastic and sustainably-sourced wood in an effort to cut carbon emissions by half compared to the London and Rio Games. Initiatives include using renewable energy, low-carbon transport, and purchasing carbon credits to offset unavoidable emissions.

With medals made of iron salvaged from Eiffel Tower refurbishments and stadium seating of recycled plastic, Paris 2024 aims to be the greenest Olympics yet.

Scientists have warned that intense heat, linked to man-made carbon emissions, poses a growing risk to competitors at the world's largest sporting event. In response, Paris 2024 has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by half compared to those of the London and Rio Summer Games.

Paris 2024 has focused on minimizing new construction to meet this goal. Almost all venues will use existing or temporary sites, often relying on the city's landmarks as backdrops. Organizers say that replacing concrete with low-carbon building materials, including sustainably-sourced wood, will reduce the Olympic Village's emissions by 30%.

Transport is another significant source of emissions during the Games. Organizers plan to use low-carbon vehicles for athletes and official visitors, ensuring all venues are accessible by bike, foot, or public transport. However, emissions from spectator travel, which accounted for 28% of the carbon emitted by the London 2012 Games, will not be directly addressed.

Paris 2024 will also use renewable energy sources, with 5,000 square meters of solar panels installed on the Aquatics Centre and Olympic Village roofs. In addition, a 400-square-meter floating solar farm has been set up on the River Seine. State-owned utility EDF will provide guarantees linking Games' energy use to six wind and two solar production sites in France.

To offset unavoidable emissions, notably from spectator air travel, Paris 2024 has purchased 1.3 million carbon credits. Each credit represents one ton of emissions reduced or removed elsewhere, from projects protecting forests in Kenya and Guatemala to improving access to clean cooking in parts of Africa. Although some carbon credit projects face scrutiny, Paris 2024 has pledged to reduce its climate impact and support climate projects, positioning itself as a climate-conscious event.

(With inputs from agencies.)