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Paris Olympics are worth the climate cost
The show must go on despite the carbon footprint as it remains a rare chance to bring humanity together on a level playing field.
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France plans to slash the 2024 Games’ emissions while ensuring that it remains a dazzling spectacle.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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Staging a massive global event attended by millions of people, including tens of thousands who will jet in from abroad, seems excessive when viewed through the lens of climate change. A third of the total estimated carbon emissions of the Summer Olympic Games and Paralympics between July 26 and Aug 11 will be linked to athlete and spectator travel – especially flying.
For example, a return economy-class ticket from Singapore to Paris, where the Games are due to be held, generates just over a tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, according to the emissions calculator of the UN’s aviation body ICAO.
