Creating more sustainable sporting events
In an effort to make Paris 2024 the most sustainable Olympic Games ever, the IOC and the Paris Organizing Committee have worked diligently to cut CO2 emissions by 50% compared to previous Games.
Instead of constructing numerous new venues, over 95% of the infrastructure will be either pre-existing or temporary. To further reduce environmental impact, 80% of the food served will be sourced from France, cutting down on shipping and storage needs for the expected 13 million athletes, spectators, journalists, and employees. Additionally, disposable plates, silverware, and cups are banned in the Olympic Village.
This commitment to sustainability in sports is groundbreaking, but questions remain. How will the carbon footprint of lighting, spectator travel, and venue concessions be managed? Can large sporting events be genuinely sustainable, or will they fall victim to climate change? What steps can we take to address these challenges?
Quantifying the carbon cost of travel
The popularity of major international sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, comes with a notable drawback: the carbon footprint associated with travel. For Paris 2024, which is anticipated to draw around ten million spectators, the travel required to attend will result in substantial CO2 emissions. A study of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France revealed that international travel was responsible for 86% of the event’s carbon footprint. Additionally, transportation between venues within France contributed another 8%, making travel account for a remarkable 94% of the event’s total carbon emissions.
Should we close the doors?
Is the answer to the high carbon cost of travel simply to hold events without fans? During the COVID-19 pandemic, studies of football and rugby matches played in empty stadiums revealed a 4% to 5% reduction in home advantage when spectators were absent. While the crowd’s energy contributes significantly to the spectacle, it also has a real impact on the competitors.
Moreover, the success of major events and their positive economic impact on the host location rely heavily on ticket sales, merchandise, hotel stays, and food and beverage purchases, among other factors. Without these economic incentives, sporting events would struggle to remain financially viable, regardless of their environmental benefits.
Clearly, a balance must be struck between the ecological costs of sports and their societal and economic benefits. Let’s explore how this balance can be achieved.