The Impact of Climate Change on the Paris Olympics

As the Paris Olympics are ending soon, athletes and organizers have braced themselves for the impact of extreme heat, a significant concern given the rise in global temperatures over the past century. A hundred years after the last Paris Olympics in 1924, climate change has drastically transformed the city and the games. On July 12, 1924, during the Paris Olympics, the 10,650-meter cross-country race became a battle against the elements. Out of 38 runners, 23 dropped out due to the sweltering heat, with temperatures soaring to 33°C (91°F) in the shade. Near the start line, an unofficial thermometer recorded a staggering 45°C (113°F), contributing to a suffocating atmosphere exacerbated by fermenting garbage. The average daily maximum temperature during the 1924 Olympics was 24°C (75°F), but that particular day marked an extreme anomaly.

This year, with Paris set to host the Olympics again, the city and its climate have undergone significant changes. According to a report titled ‘Rings of Fire’ by climate scientists and heat physiologists at the University of Portsmouth, average temperatures in Paris have increased by 3.1°C (5.6°F) since 1924 during the Olympic period. During the Paralympics in late August and early September, temperatures have risen by 1°C (1.8°F). Overall, annual temperatures in Paris have climbed by 1.8°C (3.2°F) over the past century.

The driving force behind these rising temperatures is climate change. In 1924, global CO2 levels were around 305 parts per million (ppm). Today, they stand at 419 ppm, marking a nearly 40% increase. This significant rise in greenhouse gases has led to warmer global temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. Athletes are particularly concerned about the impact of extreme heat on their performance and health. Pragnya Mohan, the first Indian triathlete to compete at the Olympics, emphasises the importance of proper nutrition and hydration to combat the scorching temperatures. UK Paralympic rower Benjamin Pritchard also recalls the oppressive heat during the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics, deemed the ‘hottest in history’. Pritchard, who has a spinal cord injury affecting his thermoregulation, has invested in cooling methods and warm-up techniques to mitigate the adverse effects of heat.

Despite the challenges, Paris has made strides in reducing air pollution by moving away from fossil fuels and clamping down on car use. The city's numerous parks act as urban cool islands, providing some relief from the heat. However, the urban heat island effect, where concrete roads and buildings absorb and retain more heat, remains a significant concern. Paris has a history of deadly heat waves. In August 2003, extreme heat claimed 15,000 lives in France, including 735 in Paris. A 2016 study attributed the majority of these deaths to human-induced climate change. In 1924, Paris experienced 29 ‘hot’ days (temperatures above 25°C or 77°F) and two ‘scorching’ days (temperatures above 30°C or 86°F). In contrast, last year saw 86 hot days and 26 scorching days, highlighting the dramatic increase in extreme heat events.

With climate change continuing to drive global temperatures higher, the lessons learned from past and present games will be crucial in ensuring the safety and performance of athletes in the face of extreme heat. The 2024 Paris Olympics not only showcases athletic prowess but also highlights the urgent need to address climate change to protect future generations and the integrity of global sporting events. Image source: https://m.rediff.com/sports/report/paris-olympics-will-be-hot/20240619.htm