Unprecedented Heatwaves Prompt Paris Olympic Village to Incorporate Portable AC Units: The U.S. and Other Countries Follow Suit

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are fast approaching, and the United States has announced plans to provide portable air conditioning for its athletes at the Olympic Village. Despite the focus on sustainability by the Paris Organizing Committee, Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, stated that AC units are essential for Team USA athletes to perform at their best.

The Paris Agreement aims to drastically reduce local emissions by 2050, with organizers of the Paris Olympics striving to decrease greenhouse gas emissions compared to previous Summer Games and achieve carbon neutrality by offsetting any residual emissions. However, concerns about potential heatwaves during the Games have led countries like the United States to provide AC units for their athletes.

Yann Krysinski, who is in charge of venues and infrastructure for Paris 2024, explained that the construction of buildings in the Olympic Village was designed to be naturally cool. This reduces the need for air conditioning but concerns about potential heatwaves have made it necessary for some countries to provide AC units for their athletes’ comfort and performance during the Games.

Other countries such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Great Britain, Greece, and Italy have also announced plans to provide air conditioning units for their athletes. The increase in average temperatures in Paris since its last hosting of the Olympics in 1924 is a significant concern for many countries participating in this year’s event.

In conclusion, while there is a focus on sustainability during these Olympics, some countries still see it necessary to provide AC units for their athletes’ comfort and performance capabilities during the games due to potential heatwaves concerns.