The decision to hold the Paris Olympics surfing competitions in Tahiti sparked strong reactions, with concerns about environmental impact. Despite the controversy, organizers chose Tahiti not only for its world-class waves but also to help achieve their ambitious goal of halving the carbon footprint compared to the 2012 and 2016 Games.
Tahiti’s Teahupo’o reef, located too far offshore for fans to see the action clearly from the beach, means most spectators will watch on television, reducing the need for carbon-intensive flights. Fewer spectators also translate to minimal new construction, another significant source of emissions. Georgina Grenon, director of environmental excellence for the Paris Games, explained that calculations showed less environmental impact in Tahiti compared to metropolitan areas.
The organizers’ goal is to limit emissions to 1.58 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent for the Games, a significant reduction from previous Olympics. This figure, while substantial, represents a major decrease compared to past events. The approach includes reducing emissions across construction, transport, and operations. Notably, 95% of facilities are either existing or temporary, with only two new structures: the Olympic Village and the Aquatics Centre, both designed with low-carbon materials.
Food sourcing is another area of focus, with 80% of ingredients sourced locally and a menu featuring 60% plant-based foods to reduce transport emissions. Renewable energy will power the Games, with venues utilizing wind and solar power, and grid connections replacing diesel generators.
Transport-related emissions remain a challenge, as millions of visitors are expected, including long-haul flights. In Paris, low-carbon transport options like cycling routes, Metro trains, and buses will be available to all venues. However, the impact of international travel on overall emissions raises questions about the sustainability of large-scale events like the Olympics.
Critics argue that more could be done, pointing out that some sponsors are major contributors to carbon emissions. Nonetheless, organizers see the Games as an opportunity to encourage sustainable practices among partner businesses. Offsetting emissions through initiatives like tree planting is planned, though such markets are often poorly regulated.
In Tahiti, the construction of a metal judging tower on the Teahupo’o reef was scaled back in response to environmental concerns. The tower, completed earlier this year, will be dismantled after the Games and reused for future events. Around 1,300 accredited individuals, including 500 flying in, will be on the island for the competition.
Grenon emphasized that sustainability is a collective effort, acknowledging that while perfection is unattainable, the commitment to go as far as possible remains strong.
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