By Warrence Oghenevwegba 

Published on: July 30, 2024, 10:01 P.M

Climate Crisis Forces Organizers of Mega-Sporting Events to Confront Harsh Realities

PARIS, July 30 (Reuters) - As the climate crisis intensifies, organizers of mega-sporting events like the Olympics are confronting uncomfortable truths. Coastal golf courses are being swallowed by the sea, alpine resorts are experiencing significant snow loss, football fields are inundated with floodwaters, and athletes are choking on wildfire smoke. Rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions are increasingly disrupting these large-scale events.

At the Paris Games, organizers have implemented extreme heat protocols in response to the climbing temperatures. Unseasonal heavy rains have caused high pollution levels in the river Seine, necessitating the rescheduling of Tuesday's men's triathlon. "Climate change is clearly having an effect," IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated on Tuesday. "We have to live in the world that we have. As they say in sport, you have to play with what you have in front of you."

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Critics argue that grand events like the Olympics, anticipated to attract 14 million visitors to Paris, significantly contribute to climate change due to their massive carbon footprints. "These competitions need to be smaller," asserts sports ecologist Madeleine Orr. "It's not athlete travel that's doing the damage; it's all the fans. These are conversations I've had with the International Olympic Committee, focusing on the local population for ticketing and reducing the size of venues. Some people squirm at that."

On the economic front, the Paris Games are projected to generate between €6.7 billion and €11.1 billion ($7.27 to $12.04 billion) in net economic benefits for the region. The Paris organizing committee has set an ambitious target of halving the carbon footprint of their Games compared to previous editions, excluding Tokyo, where spectators were banned due to COVID-19. Despite numerous measures aimed at reducing the environmental impact, the estimated carbon footprint remains at 1.58 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, according to their own calculations. For perspective, a single ton of CO2 is equivalent to 138 meat-based meals or a one-way flight from Paris to New York.

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Orr suggests a radical approach to downsizing event venues: "Instead of a 60,000-seat stadium for football, use smaller facilities with 10,000 tickets. It'll still be an awesome environment for athletes and look like a full crowd for the cameras. It just won't be a tourism spectacle." By focusing on smaller, more sustainable events, the environmental impact could be significantly reduced.

Meanwhile, the future of the Games themselves is at risk as the climate crisis continues to intensify. The long-term viability of these large-scale sporting events is uncertain, as organizers must adapt to the new realities of a changing climate. The sports community is increasingly aware of the need for sustainable practices to ensure that these beloved events can continue for future generations. 

In summary, the intersection of climate change and mega-sporting events is creating a challenging landscape for organizers, athletes, and fans alike. As the world grapples with the effects of global warming, it is imperative to rethink and reshape the way these events are conducted, balancing economic benefits with environmental responsibility. The Paris Games could serve as a critical turning point in this ongoing dialogue, demonstrating the need for sustainable practices in the face of a rapidly changing world.