This article discusses the ESG implications of the Olympics, highlighting environmental concerns, societal challenges, and the Paris 2024 initiatives.
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Exemplary sportsmanship. One global stage. The pinnacle of athletic glory. These are phrases that spring to mind when we think of the Olympic Games. It stands as one of the most eagerly awaited events on the global calendar, captivating millions of viewers around the world. Even if you aren’t typically a sports fan, the Olympics will capture your attention. It isn’t only a sporting event, but a celebration of talent, unity, and an outlet for national pride. Whilst these objectives are certainly worthwhile for pulling off such a massive endeavour, this article will delve into the ESG ramifications of the Olympics and explore the initiatives which have been implemented to address these challenges.
The Environmental Impact:
Hosting the Olympics holds immense appeal for countries, driven by the promise of substantial economic and tourism benefits. This prompts nations to submit lavish bids, with Tokyo investing roughly $75 million in its successful 2020 offer. However, beneath the glamour of these staggering bids lies serious damages to the host city’s environmental landscape. The Olympics entail two main environmental concerns: event-related carbon emissions and the impact of necessary infrastructure development. The estimated carbon
footprint for the Tokyo Olympics was 2.3 million metric tons of CO2, which is equal to the annual emissions from about half a million cars (Tim McDonnell). The Tokyo Olympics organizers pledged to offset and reduce carbon emissions, going beyond neutrality. They pursued this goal through a series of initiatives including planting trees and restoring green areas in and around the Olympics venue to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Nevertheless, according to an April 2019 Paper in the Journal Nature, the Tokyo Games did not achieve this target, and represent a lack of commitment to sustainability initiatives at the Olympics.
The construction of venues and stadiums, the development of athlete accommodations, and the expansion of airports to prepare for the influx of visitors are a significant contributor to environmental concerns surrounding the Olympics. The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi exemplified such a tragedy, with the government’s decision to host the games inside the Sochi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area. This caused great harm to the park's wildlife, and particularly to the river Mzymta, which suffered substantial pollution due to highway-railway construction. After the grievances in Sochi, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) adopted the Olympic Agenda 2020 in December 2014, with one of its pillars being sustainability. Whilst this was a valuable step, it will not undo the environmental damage already inflicted during the Sochi Games.
Societal Implications:
In pursuit of their societal goals, the IOC has initiated programs to contribute to society. The IOC Young Leaders Programme, launched in 2016 ‘empowers talents to leverage the power of sport to make a positive difference in their communities’. The 25 selected Young Leaders act as ‘agents of Olympism’, spreading the myriad of benefits associated with sports. While this endeavour aligns with critical values, hosting the Olympics raises unaddressed societal challenges for local communities. In order to promote human rights during the Olympics, the IOC partnered with the United Nations, to help commit itself to goals of sustainable development. Nevertheless, the 2015 Human Rights Watch Annual Report identified that one of the most critical abuses of human rights during mega sports events was the displacement of citizens (Horne, 2018). In a Washington Post article, it was reported that hundreds of households were relocated for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, some of which had also been moved during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Jinno, an 87-year-old man from Tokyo was displaced from his home and sadly expressed that ‘had it not been for the Olympics, my life would have been so different.’ The problems for residents are further exacerbated by the issue of affordability for those displaced. The former mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, viewed the Olympics as a means to regenerate the East End, with a specific focus on the Lower Lea Valley. It was described as an area of ‘environmental, economic and social degradation’, and the Olympics would provide it an opportunity for rebirth. Affordable housing in the area was promised to those displaced ‘temporarily’. This depicted image was far from reality according to Professor Juliet Davis, who acknowledged that whilst struggling businesses existed in the area, Olympic regeneration worsened the decline by relocating businesses and hindering their adaptability, leading to some closing down (Oliver Wainwright). The Games have left a trail of unaddressed societal issues, which only serve to show the destruction the Olympics can leave in its wake.
Paris 2024 initiatives:
The Paris Olympics 2024 will represent a new era for sustainability. The primary focus will be reducing carbon emissions. The Olympic and Paralympic Games will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy sourced from wind and solar farms, an achievement which will continue to contribute to a more environmentally friendly landscape for sports events worldwide. Furthermore, sustainable food sourcing will also play a key role in reducing carbon emissions, through doubling plant-based products and halving the use of disposable plastic. Paris 2024 is also minimising new construction. 95 percent of venues will be pre-existing faculties, which will translate to zero displacement and minimal disruption to the lives of Parisian residents. Paris 2024 is ushering in a greener era for the Olympics, aiming to inspire eco-friendly sports events globally.
Conclusion:
As a platform of athletic excellence and unity, the Olympics have attracted viewers and participants worldwide. Yet, beneath the brilliance, they've cast shadows that cannot be ignored. The environmental and societal implications are not to be overlooked; they are vital for the future of the Olympics. The path to sustainable sporting events is one that demands our unwavering commitment. The Paris 2024 Olympics must set a new standard, proving that the Games can be a model of environmental responsibility and social equity.
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