Every four years, the world tunes in for the ultimate sporting event: The Olympics. This spectacle not only showcases athletic prowess but also offers host cities a chance to flaunt their culture and energise their tourism. Yet, this grand event comes with a complex challenge—sustainability. Balancing the influx of visitors and the construction of new facilities with environmental and social responsibility is no small feat.

Paris 2024 has set ambitious sustainability goals, pledging a carbon-neutral event and a €1.4 billion cleanup of the Seine River. With plans to host events in existing venues and utilise 95% temporary or pre-existing infrastructure, Paris aims to lead by example. However, concerns remain, particularly around new constructions like the aluminium judging tower in Tahiti, which could have a harmful impact on reef ecosystems.

The Environmental Impact of the Olympics

The Olympics can cast a significant environmental shadow. New sports venues, athlete villages, and transport infrastructure demand vast resources, leading to habitat destruction, higher carbon emissions, and increased waste. The surge in visitors also strains local resources, contributing to pollution.

To tackle these issues, host cities must adopt green practices — eco-friendly building materials, renewable energy, and efficient waste management. We’ve seen sustainable construction and recycling programs implemented in recent Olympic events from Sydney in 2000 to Tokyo in 2020. Paris 2024 pushes the envelope by aiming for carbon neutrality, using 100% local renewable energy, and embracing a circular economy. Innovations such as cardboard beds in the Athlete’s Village and minimal new construction using low-carbon methods are notable. So you’ll watch fencing at the Grand Palais, tennis at Roland Garros, and athletics at the Stade de France.

Social Responsibility and Community Impact

The Olympics also profoundly affect host cities socially. The influx of tourists and new infrastructure can lead to gentrification, pushing up property values and living costs. For Paris 2024, plans include repurposing the Athletes’ Village for 6,000 new residents and leveraging the Games as a global tourism campaign rather than just an opportunity for tourism during the games. Yet, challenges persist, with some locals facing increased costs and disruptions, and skepticism about the Seine cleanup and the broader impact of the Games. Naysayers and skeptics aside, many Parisians have embraced the opportunity to benefit economically through renting out their apartments during the games or local companies have offered remote-working opportunities to ensure their employees can work peacefully without disruptions. 

The Role of Technology in Sustainable Tourism

Technology offers exciting solutions for sustainable tourism. Paris 2024 is harnessing smart city technologies to boost efficiency. From using excess heat from Equinix Inc. data centres to warm the Olympic pool to deploying electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered Toyota vehicles for athlete transportation, and employing AI-powered tools from Intel to manage energy consumption, the Paris Games are setting new benchmarks for green technology.

The Long-Term Legacy of Sustainable Olympics

Success is measured not just by the immediate impact but by the lasting legacy. Sustainable practices can ensure Olympic venues benefit local communities long after the Games, drive economic growth, and protect the environment for future generations. Paris 2024’s focus on sustainability aims to inspire future host cities and set a global standard for tourism and events.

Conclusion

The Olympics provide a stage for cities to shine, but balancing tourism growth with environmental and social responsibilities is crucial. Paris 2024’s ambitious goals will be tested, but through sustainable practices, community engagement, and technological innovation, the city hopes to deliver lasting benefits. As the Games unfold, all eyes will be on Paris, with anticipation for both sporting excellence and environmental progress.

For now, let’s enjoy the action—especially the surfing in The Islands of Tahiti. Check out our latest collaboration with Tahiti Tourisme here.

 

Further Reading: 

2024 Paris Olympics: Impact on Tourism and Beyond – Oxford Economics 

Paris Tourism Chief: Olympics Is About Marketing, Not Visitor Numbers – Skift 

A tech-forward event: The 2024 Paris Olympics sets the gold standard in innovation and sustainability – Silicon Angle 

The greenest games ever? How claims of Olympic sustainability hit a reef in Tahiti – The Conversation 

Less, better and for longer: Five ways Paris 2024 is delivering more sustainable Games – International Olympic Committee

AI and tech innovations at Paris 2024: A game changer in sport – International Olympic Committee

By Kate McGregor, Social Media and Digital Manager at Circul8.

Header image by Amada MA, Unsplash.