As the world shifts its focus to the Paris 2024 Paralympics, the question on everyone’s mind is: will these games be the greenest ever? The Paris 2024 organisers have set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions by 55% compared to previous events, in line with the Paris Agreement. But are these promises genuine, or is it just greenwashing?
The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic organisers have embedded sustainability into their core mission. Their Legacy Plan outlines a commitment to energy efficiency, waste reduction and sustainable transportation. With 250 miles of new bike lanes, 300,000 trees planted across Paris, and minimal new construction, the numbers are impressive. But will these efforts truly make a lasting impact?
Unlike previous host cities that have built new, often wasteful, structures, Paris is repurposing its existing landmarks. The 2024 Paralympics will utilise iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais and Stade de France, emphasising resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact. This approach could set a precedent for future games, demonstrating that grand events don’t require grand carbon footprints.
Paris 2024 is implementing a range of initiatives to ensure the games are as sustainable as possible:
Despite these initiatives, the Paris 2024 Paralympics face challenges. Questions remain about the cleanliness of the Seine for water sports, and the environmental impact of new structures like the Adidas Arena, which, despite being touted as “bio-based,” still relies heavily on energy-intensive materials. Moreover, accommodating 2.5 million visitors during the games will test the city’s infrastructure and sustainability commitments.
The true measure of success for the Paris 2024 Paralympics will be in the lasting impact on the city and future sporting events. If these games can inspire more environmentally conscious planning and execution, they could indeed set a new standard for sustainable sports. The lessons learned here may well shape the future of global events, including the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
At Axiom Sustainability Software, we are closely watching these developments, recognising that true sustainability requires more than just words – it demands action, accountability, and a commitment to long-term change. We hope the Paris 2024 Paralympics will rise to the challenge and deliver on their promise of a greener future.
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