“Paris Olympics: No Air Conditioning, No Problem? Athletes and Officials Prepare for the Heat”

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are just around the corner, and one of the hottest topics leading up to the games is the decision not to install air conditioning in the Athletes’ Village. Instead, the complex will be cooled using a system of water pipes running beneath the floorboards.

Paris, known for its record-breaking heat waves and high risk of heat-related deaths, saw more than 5,000 people die last year due to extreme heat. In an effort to host the “greenest ever Games,” Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo emphasized the importance of avoiding the need for air conditioning to maintain comfortable temperatures.

However, the decision has sparked criticism from many competing countries, with a growing number planning to provide their athletes with portable air conditioning units. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee confirmed that Team USA athletes will have air conditioning in their rooms, citing it as a critical component for performance.

Countries like Canada, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Australia, and Japan are among those planning to bring or purchase air conditioning units for their athletes. While some countries can afford the additional expense, others, like Uganda, cannot.

Experts warn of the extreme temperatures athletes may face during the games, with temperatures predicted to be even higher than the record-breaking heat experienced during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. A recent report highlighted the risks of competing in hot conditions and called for organizers to take necessary precautions to protect athletes.

Despite the controversy surrounding the lack of air conditioning, Paris organizers remain committed to their sustainability goals. The Athletes’ Village, which will host thousands of athletes and officials during the games, will become a zero-carbon, eco-friendly residential and commercial neighborhood after the Olympics.

Overall, the decision to forgo air conditioning in the Athletes’ Village has sparked debate and raised concerns about the well-being of athletes competing in the sweltering summer heat of Paris.