Despite the organizers' environmental plan to cut carbon emissions, some countries, including the U.S., will provide their athletes with air conditioners at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris is setting the stage for an unprecedented mix of environmental sustainability and athlete comfort. While the organizers have ambitious plans to reduce carbon emissions, several national sport federations, including the U.S., will be providing their athletes with air conditioners in their rooms at the Athletes Village.
AC At The Olympics: Air Conditioning Units Supplied for Athletes Despite Sustainability Goals
The Olympic organizers have implemented a system of cooling pipes underneath floors to regulate room temperatures in the Athletes Village, which will house over 15,000 Olympians and sports officials. However, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) CEO Sarah Hirshland has stated that the U.S. team will have additional air conditioning units.
"We will have air conditioning in the rooms in the village," Hirshland said. "We have great respect for the work that's been done by the Paris Organizing Committee in particular, and their focus on sustainability."
AC At The Olympics: Air Conditioning Units Supplied for Athletes Despite Sustainability Goals
Hirshland emphasized the importance of consistent and predictable conditions for athlete performance. "In our conversations with athletes, this was a very high priority and something that the athletes felt was a critical component in their performance capability."
Other countries that plan to bring air conditioners to the Paris Games include Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, and Great Britain. Japan is reportedly considering providing units for its athletes as well.
AC At The Olympics: Air Conditioning Units Supplied for Athletes Despite Sustainability Goals
The average high temperature in Paris during the Olympic period is 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit). The organizers aim to maintain room temperatures between 23-26 degrees Celsius (73-79 degrees Fahrenheit). Fans will also be available in the rooms.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has expressed her commitment to environmental sustainability for the Games. "I want the Paris Games to be exemplary from an environmental point of view," she said.
It's worth noting that less than 10% of households in Europe have air conditioning, and the number in Paris is even lower. According to the International Energy Agency, China and the U.S. account for over half of the 1.6 billion AC units used globally.
France has invested $1.5 billion to clean the Seine River for aquatic events at the Games. The river was previously considered too polluted to host these sports.
The decision to provide air conditioners to athletes highlights the ongoing tension between environmental goals and athlete well-being. As the world faces climate change, balancing these priorities will be crucial for future sporting events.
