Since Paris last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1924, average temperatures for that time of year have risen a staggering 3.1 degrees Celsius.
The 2024 Paris Olympics are on the horizon, but a looming threat hangs over the festivities — extreme heat. With climate change pushing temperatures ever higher, athletes and experts alike are expressing serious concerns about the safety and feasibility of hosting the Games during the peak summer months.
Paris itself is no stranger to scorching temperatures. Since the city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1924, average temperatures for that time of year have risen a staggering 3.1 degrees Celsius (5.5 degrees Fahrenheit). Heat waves have become more frequent and intense, and the “urban heat island effect” — where urban areas trap heat more efficiently than rural ones — further exacerbates the issue in Paris. Records were shattered in July 2019 when the city reached a scorching 108.7 degrees Fahrenheit, just five years before the upcoming Games.
This rise in temperature isn’t just an inconvenience; it poses a significant health risk to athletes. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death are potential consequences of competing in such extreme conditions. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics offered a sobering glimpse into this future. Athletes were seen spewing up and fainting at the finish line, with nearly 10% suffering from heat-related illnesses. Tennis star Daniel Medvedev even raised a chilling question during his match: “I can finish the match, but I can die. If I die, are you going to be responsible?”
Kaitlyn Trudeau, a climate scientist, emphasizes the dangers posed by rising humidity alongside temperature. High humidity hinders the body’s ability to sweat effectively, making it harder to cool down and regulate core temperature, thus increasing the risk of heat stroke.
Will the Olympians beat the heat in Paris? // Picture Courtesy — Guardian
Parisian organizers are aware of the heat risks and have implemented certain measures to mitigate them. Outdoor events, such as marathons and triathlons, will be scheduled for the cooler mornings. Contingency plans include rescheduling events based on daily heat and humidity levels, with decisions made collaboratively between organizers and sports federations.
Efforts to combat the heat extend beyond athletes. Spectators will be allowed to bring refillable water bottles, and venues will be equipped with water refilling stations.
While these measures are commendable, a key concern for some athletes lies within the Olympic Village itself. In a bid for sustainability, the village will not have air conditioning, relying instead on a water-based cooling system. Several countries, including the US, UK, and Australia, are opting to bring their own air conditioning units, citing “strategic high-performance needs.”
Organizers defend their decision, emphasizing the buildings’ efficient design and insulation. They also offer “lower-emitting mobile cooling units” as a rental option for interested countries. However, some athletes remain unconvinced.
There won’t be ACs in the Olympics village this time around // Picture Courtesy — Telegraph India
The pursuit of climate-friendly measures raises questions when considering the sponsors of these Olympic teams. Coal, oil, and gas companies are prominent sponsors for national teams in several countries. This inconsistency highlights the broader societal challenge of addressing climate change.
Climate activists urge athletes to leverage their platform and speak out about the dangers of heat and the urgency of climate action. James Farndale, a rugby player, believes that sport has a crucial role to play: “Something that I’m really keen for sport to do here is be an alarm bell in this space because of the implications of a two- or three-degree warmer world on millions and billions of people’s lives.”
The 2024 Paris Olympics stand at a crossroads. While organizers strive for sustainable practices, the comfort and safety of athletes remain of paramount importance. This event offers a unique opportunity to raise global awareness about the dangers of heat waves and the need for immediate action against climate change.
