olympics
Newsletter
Credit: Mathis Lagadec/Pixabay
Heat dome intensifies Paris Olympics amid global warming
A heat dome caused by climate change has raised temperatures to dangerous levels at the Paris Olympics, affecting athletes and spectators alike.
In short:
- A rapid analysis shows the heat dome over Europe and North Africa, which is affecting the Paris Olympics, would not have been possible without human-caused global warming.
- Scientists report that carbon emissions have raised temperatures by 2.5C to 3.3C, making extreme heat events more frequent and expected every decade.
- Olympic athletes struggle with the heat, while Mediterranean residents without cooling options face health risks, with extreme temperatures causing increased premature deaths.
Key quote:
“Climate change crashed the Olympics on Tuesday. The world watched athletes swelter in 35C heat.”
— Dr. Friederike Otto, climatologist, Imperial College London
Why this matters:
The intensifying heatwave illustrates how global warming is not a distant threat but an immediate danger impacting lives worldwide. As fossil fuel emissions persist, extreme weather events will worsen, threatening human health and safety globally.
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Credit: rusak/Big Stock Photo
Paris aims to host the most sustainable Olympics in 2024
The Paris 2024 Olympics commit to halving the carbon footprint of previous Games through various green initiatives.
In short:
- Paris 2024 will use existing venues and low-carbon construction for new sites to minimize environmental impact.
- The Games will feature extensive use of recycled materials, plant-based food and local agriculture.
- Transport will prioritize electric connections and cycling infrastructure to reduce emissions.
Why this matters:
Sustainable practices at large events like the Olympics can set a global standard, encouraging broader environmental responsibility. Addressing carbon footprints is crucial to combating climate change and preserving the planet for future generations.
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Newsletter
Credit: vverve/Big Stock Photo
Extreme heat poses danger to athletes at Paris Olympics
Forecasts predict the Paris Olympics could experience record-breaking heat, threatening athlete safety.
In short:
- A report, Rings of Fire: Heat Risks at the 2024 Paris Olympics, warns of extreme heat risks for athletes, highlighting the increased dangers since the Tokyo 2021 games.
- Paris has warmed by 1.8°C since 1924, with more frequent and intense heatwaves, risking athletes' health and performance.
- The International Olympic Committee acknowledges the growing threat of extreme heat, proposing measures to protect athletes.
Key quote:
"We now know the Paris Games have the potential to surpass [Tokyo’s heat record]."
— Emma Pocock, chief executive of FrontRunners
Why this matters:
Extreme heat poses severe health risks to athletes, from heat cramps to life-threatening heatstroke. As global temperatures rise, the sustainability of outdoor sports events is increasingly jeopardized.
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Newsletter
Credit: Bryan Turner/Unsplash
Paris Olympics go green with ambitious environmental goals
The Paris Olympics aim to halve their carbon footprint by leveraging existing infrastructure and focusing on sustainable practices.
Somini Sengupta and Catherine Porter report for The New York Times.
In short:
- The Paris Olympics plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to past games by using existing city landmarks, promoting plant-based dining, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Solar panels on the Seine and a preference for repurposing over new construction mark a shift toward environmental sustainability for the event.
- Concerns arise over non-traditional cooling methods at the athletes' village, challenging teams to "trust the science."
Key quote:
"We set for ourselves ambitions that have never been set for any event before, let alone have this scale."
— Georgina Grenon, director of environmental efforts for the Paris Olympics
Why this matters:
The Olympic Games, a global spectacle celebrated for fostering unity through sports, also casts a significant shadow on the environment, notably through greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions stem from various sources: the construction of venues, transportation of athletes and spectators, and the day-to-day operations during the events.
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Newsletter
‘Big irony’ as winter sports sponsored by climate polluters, report finds
Winter sports are being sponsored by high-carbon companies despite their pollution helping to melt the snow the sports require to exist, according to a new report.
Newsletter
International Olympic Committee weighs rotating host cities for Winter Olympics
One proposal to ensure climate reliability would require host cities to have an average temperature at or below zero over a 10-year period. Salt Lake City organizers say they'd meet those requirements through at least 2050.
Top Story
Lessons from the World Cup: How a changing climate is changing sports
From professional to youth leagues, a warming planet is forcing athletes to adapt to new extremes.
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