Paris adapts to scorching heat as the Olympics return

Athletes gear up for extreme heat in Paris as climate change brings rising temperatures to the city hosting the 2024 Olympic Games.

Isabelle Gerretsen and Miriam Quick report for the BBC.

In short:

• Paris' average temperatures have increased by 3.1C (5.6F) during the Olympics period since 1924, causing concerns for athletes' performance and safety.
• The city has implemented measures like early start times and access to water stations to mitigate heat risks during events.
• Air quality has improved, with pollution levels much lower than in 1924, but extreme heat remains a significant challenge.

Key quote:

"Heat could be a killer if you aren't able to get your nutrition and hydration right."

— Pragnya Mohan, Indian triathlete

Why this matters:

The elegant boulevards and iconic landmarks remain, but the weather is a far cry from what it was a century ago when Paris last hosted the Games. From public health to environmental sustainability, the Olympic preparations reveal a city adapting to a new, hotter normal. Read more: Sabah Usmani on making cities healthy and just.