U.S. Olympic Team to Bring AC Units to Paris Games Amid Sustainability Concerns

The U.S. Olympic team, among others, will supply air conditioners for athletes at the Paris 2024 Games, risking organizers' sustainability efforts. CEO Sarah Hirshland emphasizes the importance of consistency for athlete performance. Other countries, including Germany and Australia, have similar plans despite the environmental impact.

In a move that challenges sustainability initiatives, the U.S. Olympic team will provide air conditioners for its athletes during the Paris 2024 Games. U.S. Olympic and Paralympic CEO Sarah Hirshland underscored the necessity of maintaining a consistent environment for optimal athlete performance.

Despite organizers' intentions to reduce carbon emissions with environmentally friendly cooling methods, other nations, such as Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, and Britain, also plan to bring their own AC units. This decision comes as temperatures in Paris in August can average 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit), a factor seen as crucial for athlete comfort and performance.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has expressed a desire for the Games to set an environmental benchmark. However, with fewer than 1 in 10 European households equipped with air conditioning, the provision of AC units by competing nations highlights the balance between comfort and sustainability.

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