The U.S. Olympic team and several other national sports federations have decided to provide their athletes with air conditioners at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, despite the organizers’ environmental plans to reduce carbon emissions. Organizers had initially planned to use a system of cooling pipes underneath floors in the Athletes Village to cool rooms for the more than 15,000 Olympians and sports officials expected to stay there during the Summer Games.
While the efforts to address sustainability are appreciated, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland announced that the U.S. team would be bringing their own AC units for the athletes. She emphasized the importance of consistency and predictability in performance, which led to the decision to provide air conditioning in the rooms.
In addition to the U.S. team, other countries such as Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, and Great Britain are also planning to supply air conditioners for their athletes. Japan is reportedly considering doing the same. The average high temperature in Paris in August is around 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit), and the goal of the organizers’ environmental plan is to maintain room temperatures between 23-26 degrees Celsius (73-79 degrees Fahrenheit), with the addition of fans in the rooms.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her desire for the Paris Games to set an example in terms of environmental sustainability. It is worth noting that air conditioning is not as common in European households compared to other parts of the world, with fewer than one in 10 households in Europe having AC units. France has also had to invest $1.5 billion to clean the Seine River to prepare for aquatic events at the Summer Games, as the river was too polluted to host sports events.
The decision to bring air conditioners to the Paris Olympics raises questions about balancing athlete comfort with environmental concerns. While the organizers’ efforts to promote sustainability are commendable, providing a comfortable environment for the athletes to perform at their best is also crucial. The use of air conditioners may help athletes acclimatize to the conditions and focus on their performance without being affected by extreme temperatures.
Overall, the preparations for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris highlight the importance of finding a balance between sustainability efforts and ensuring the well-being of the athletes. As the world looks forward to the upcoming games, the focus remains on creating an environment where athletes can excel while promoting environmental responsibility.