Paris Mayor Urges Olympic Teams to Embrace ‘Green Games’ Without Air Conditioning
Paris, France — As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games continues, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has called on participating nations to embrace the event’s environmental ethos by trusting in the innovative design of the athletes’ village, which eliminates the need for traditional air conditioning.
With the global climate crisis intensifying and Europe experiencing record-breaking summer temperatures in 2023, the upcoming Games have pledged to be the “greenest ever.” However, some competing nations are considering installing air conditioning units to ensure athlete comfort, potentially undermining the sustainability efforts.
“This village was designed to avoid the need for air conditioning, even in very, very high temperatures, in order to maintain comfortable temperatures,” Mayor Hidalgo told Reuters on Wednesday. “I encourage all participating nations to trust the science and the innovative measures we’ve put in place.”
The athletes’ village features cutting-edge architectural designs that harness natural cooling methods. Buildings are strategically oriented to minimize direct sunlight exposure, and a state-of-the-art cooling system draws cool water from underground sources to regulate indoor temperatures naturally.
The commitment to sustainability extends beyond the athletes’ accommodations. The Paris 2024 organizing committee aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the Games significantly, setting a precedent for future international sporting events.
Asian nations, many of which are leaders in environmental innovation, face the decision of aligning with Paris’s sustainable vision. The commitment to foregoing air conditioning could set an example and inspire sustainable practices back home. As athletes from across Asia prepare for the Games, their participation in these initiatives will be closely watched by global audiences, including business professionals, academics, and environmental activists.
For nations grappling with the decision to install additional cooling systems, Hidalgo’s message is clear: “Participating in the ‘Green Games’ is not just about competition; it’s about uniting for a sustainable future. Let’s seize this opportunity to showcase innovation and environmental responsibility on a global stage.”
The appeal resonates with global audiences, including environmental advocates, scientists, and international communities invested in sustainable development. As the world watches, the choices made at Paris 2024 could influence environmental practices in major events for years to come.
Reference(s):
Olympics: Paris mayor tells air conditioning fans to 'trust science'
cgtn.com
