The ongoing 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games represents many “firsts”: the first Olympic Games to occur in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, the first Olympic Games without spectators, and apparently, the first carbon-negative Olympic Games in history. The latter quality remains the more positively regarded achievement of the ongoing Games, amidst ongoing criticism that the Games shouldn’t even be happening during the pandemic, supported by massive disapproval rates.
For now, millions around the world are glued to TVs for the next week, grateful for something new, given the context of the last year. The controversies surrounding the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games on every side may seem to remain for the duration of the event. Still, many viewers and athletes alike are happy to enjoy this moment in history.
Having had their Olympian dreams postponed for a year, the joy of athletes is now widespread, saturating every social media platform and channel. Whether it’s showing viewers their cardboard beds or their experiences in the dining halls, athletes are providing unprecedented insight into the Games.
Unprecedented insight into making the Olympics more sustainable and environmentally friendly is also a first this year.
Prior to the previously postponed 2020 games, and even before the pandemic, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) published the Tokyo 2020 and Paralympic Games Sustainability Plan, promoting maximum energy savings, use of renewable energy and addressing unavoidable emissions with a focus on five themes including: climate change (towards zero carbon), resource management (towards zero waste), the natural environment and biodiversity and more.
This plan is now in full effect, promoted by the Games’ sustainability concept “Be better, together – For the planet and the people.” So then, what does “Being Better, together” actually look like at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games?
Masako Konishi, a member of the Olympics’ sustainability committee, stated the Tokyo Olympics has the best ever Olympic sustainability code for climate change, a role model for future Olympics.
In a recent report published just prior to the initiation of the Games on July 22, documented efforts towards sustainability already included 90% of athlete and personnel vehicles being electric driven, the creation of resale and buyback systems to promote reuse of items used, the use of 58% of preexisting venues, recycled material for medals, and much more.
The most recognizable sustainability effort thus far is the already infamous cardboard beds. The concept was presented in January of 2020, with Olympic Organizers introducing the beds as the first-ever recyclable and renewable items for Athlete’s Village. “I actually kinda like it,” says athlete Jack Williams.
A recyclable cardboard bed and mattress used inside a residential unit for athletes in the athletes’ room. Photographer: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg via Getty Images
But despite high expectations joined by the best sustainable efforts of all involved, commitment and implementation of the IOC’s sustainability plan remains highly scrutinized. Even days before the opening ceremony, the Games were called out for not being ‘eco friendly enough.’ For example, the sourcing of plywood to build Olympic stadiums is linked to rainforests converted into palm oil plantations.
Although the Game’s organizers tout the fact that this year is a zero-carbon year, the manner in which zero-carbon is being achieved is also a point of criticism. This Game’s carbon footprint (thus far) has been calculated at 3.0009 million t-CO2, due to be offset by the Carbon Offset Programme, meaning organizers have obtained carbon credits, which are supposed to “offset” the emissions of the Games’.
The problem? Carbon offsets, such as the purchase of credits, still do not change the fact that Carbon emissions were still released into the air. United Nations Environment Program views carbon offsetting as a temporary measure, with dangerous implications in the long run.
Despite the good intentions behind the sustainability of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics games, the reality remains that much more work needed to be done. What matters, at least, is the fact that this year’s Olympic Games may achieve the title of most sustainable Games, thus far.
But even that may be giving the games too much credit. Researcher Sven Daniel Wolfe says Tokyo will be remembered as the pandemic games, and not for its claims to sustainability.
Tokyo’s established standards guide the Olympic Games that follow from here on out. Should the hosting of the Games’ of 2022, 2024, 2026 and 2028 go according to plan, 2030 will be the first “climate positive” Olympic Games. According to the IOC, this means that carbon savings created will exceed any carbon emissions produced and their potential negative impacts.
To fully determine the success of sustainability and environmental efforts of the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, final reports published after the completion of the Games will be available on the official website.
The 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games will end on August 8.
Like what we have to say? Sign up to subscribe to email alerts and you’ll never miss a post.
