Climate change threatens Tokyo Olympics
Updated: Feb 29
The 2020 edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is being developed this year due to the delay caused by the pandemic. The organizers have assumed a great commitment with the safeguard of the environment and the conscious changes for the conservation of the planet and the human beings. That is why we want to tell you all about it.
The ancient and traditional Olympic Games have transcended in history as a scenario where the best athletes in the world meet to compete. But this event has also been characterized as a space of great economic investments and political alliances. In this new edition, it has also become an excuse to prove that sports and sustainable development, as well as the protection of the environment, are possible with the will of the people.
Sport is political and sustainable
En recognition of the commitments to protect the environment, Tokyo 2020 is an example of the consolidated effort to fight climate change.
In accordance with the UN and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it was thought to make changes consistent with contributing to reduce emissions and pollution from an event as massive as the Olympics and Paralympics 2020.
The idea is conveyed to claim that sport is a valuable tool and ally in the fulfillment of global political objectives for the development and welfare of most of humanity.
Measures taken in Tokyo 2020 to protect the environment
Through the application of a so-called safety code consisting of 5 primary commandments, the organizers of Tokyo 2020 have committed themselves to many issues. Among them some such as:
Climate change
Safeguarding the natural environment and biodiversity
Human rights and resource management
These fundamental axes converge key issues of the world's political agendas in the sporting arena. From the organizing committee, it has been said that it is one of the ways to accept the responsibility and commitment to the protection of the environment that all individuals have to help combat the deterioration of the earth.
To achieve the fulfillment of these goals based on sustainability, an economic management was made with the premise of long-term investments. As well as, with the use of materials that allow either a reuse or clean recycling of the objects created to be used in the events, is the case of the recognized "cardboard beds", in this way it is expected an efficient environmental protection.
For the acquisition of products and objects, a supply code was created. This was used to implement a regulation limiting procurement. It was only possible to purchase supplies from places that met requirements such as: raw materials that were not exploited indiscriminately, companies or services committed to the care and protection of the environment, as well as companies and institutions that comply with good practices in human and labor rights.
"Being better, together - For the planet and the people" slogan of the Olympic Games.
Beyond a simple promotional slogan, the organizers of this traditional event have affirmed that the commitment to help the planet must be global.
And events of massive participation are propitious to set the example that is required at the moment of taking action in the face of crises such as climate change.
High temperatures defeat many athletes
Many athletes have had to abandon the competition due to the high temperatures that are being recorded during these Olympics.
During these Olympic Games, temperatures have often reached 33°C and a wind chill of up to 38°C taking into account the humidity. In 2018, more than 1,000 heat wave deaths were recorded in the country and this 2021, during the dates of July 19-25, more than 8,000 people have been hospitalized for possible heat stroke.
The International Olympic Committee has said it has taken precautions to deal with the heat by providing water and shade at venues. In a statement to CNN, it said athletes' health is "at the heart of our concerns."
Such was the case of the Russian goalkeeper who fainted in the middle of the qualifying round, or triathlon participant and first place winner Kristian Blummenfelt collapsed just after crossing the finish line.
The 43.2 degrees and 74% humidity caused promising tennis player Paula Badosa to be wheeled off the court after playing the first quarter due to heat stroke.
This puts in the spotlight the issue of climate change and rising temperatures so much that it has been studied to postpone some sporting events to other times or prevent these situations on future occasions with precautionary measures for athletes, among them, that the tournaments are played in closed stadiums or that these are made during the hours with less sun.
The protection of the environment is something that cannot wait, and that is why all countries must turn to solidarity and sustainable initiatives for change. After an intense year of pandemic, the organizers of Tokyo 2020 wanted to show the world their willingness and commitment to overcome any crisis that the planet is going through.
Join the fight!