The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee (OCOG) announced that it has fulfilled its ambitious goal of halving the event’s carbon footprint compared to the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games. According to a report released on December 11, Paris 2024 aimed to redefine what a “responsible” Olympic Games could look like, setting a new precedent for environmental sustainability.
Carbon Budget: Meeting the Target
Paris 2024 set a strict “carbon budget” of 1.58 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent (teqCO2), a sharp reduction from the 3.5 million teqCO2 average of London and Rio. The OCOG’s calculations suggest that the Games met this goal, landing at 1.59 million teqCO2, marking a 54.6% reduction. This accomplishment aligns with their strategy to deliver the “most responsible” Games in history.
The Tokyo 2021 Games were excluded from the comparison due to its unique circumstances as a spectator-free event during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spectator Travel: A Key Challenge
Despite the overall reduction, one area where the Games faced criticism was spectator travel, which accounted for 53% of the carbon footprint (833,600 teqCO2). This figure far exceeded the 34% initially projected in the carbon budget. With a record-breaking 12.1 million tickets sold, the Games attracted a significant number of international visitors, especially from non-European countries.
According to the report:
- 66.4% of spectators were from France.
- 21.5% came from Europe (notably the UK, Germany, and Belgium).
- 12.1% arrived from outside Europe (including the US, Brazil, and Canada).
While 87% of attendees used public transit or active mobility to access event venues, emissions from international air travel proved to be a substantial contributor.
Air Travel’s Overshadowed Impact
Paul Delanoë of The Shifters, an environmental nonprofit, raised questions about the reported emissions from spectator travel. Delanoë pointed out inconsistencies, comparing the 2024 figures to London 2012, where transportation-related emissions reached 900,000 teqCO2 for 11 million tickets sold. “How, by selling 10% more tickets and taking no measures to limit the impact of international travel, could emissions have fallen by almost 8%?” he asked.
Reduced Construction: A Game Changer
One area where Paris 2024 excelled was in minimizing emissions tied to infrastructure. The organizers focused on using existing venues and temporary structures rather than undertaking large-scale new construction projects. This decision significantly reduced emissions compared to past Games, where construction often accounted for a considerable portion of the carbon footprint.
Public Transit Success
The Games heavily promoted public transit and other forms of sustainable transportation. According to the report, 87% of spectators opted for buses, trains, cycling, or walking to reach the venues. This achievement demonstrates the potential for host cities to encourage greener mobility options during major events.
Mixed Reactions to the Results
While the reduction in overall carbon emissions is notable, critics like Delanoë and environmental advocates continue to question the accuracy of certain calculations, particularly those related to spectator travel. Skeptics argue that the OCOG may have underestimated the impact of international air travel, undermining the Games’ environmental achievements.
Still, the Paris 2024 Games highlight the growing emphasis on sustainability in global events. By prioritizing reduced construction, setting ambitious carbon budgets, and encouraging public transit, the Games provide a model for future organizers to build upon.
