Olympians and Scientists Warn of Extreme Heat Threatening Future Summer Games

Athletes and climate scientists are warning that extreme heat could soon make it “impossible” to host the Summer Olympics. A report titled “Rings of Fire: Heat Risks at the 2024 Paris Olympics,” produced in collaboration with scientists and heat physiologists from the University of Portsmouth, highlights the rising temperatures and the associated risks for athletes, including potential collapses or deaths.
The report recommends rescheduling competitions to cooler months or times of day, enhancing rehydration and cooling plans, empowering athletes to speak out on climate change, boosting collaboration on climate awareness campaigns, and reassessing fossil fuel sponsorships in sports.
French forecaster Météo France predicts a 70% chance of hotter-than-usual conditions for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The report also notes that Paris is now 3.1°C hotter than when it last hosted the Olympics in 1924, and references a deadly 2003 heatwave in France.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated they are taking measures to avoid heat risks, monitoring temperatures at venues, and prioritizing the safety of athletes and spectators. The report recalls the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the hottest Games in history, where extreme conditions severely impacted athletes, raising concerns about the feasibility of future summer competitions.