The Paris Olympics promises minimal new construction, using the city's iconic landmarks to create sustainable and visually stunning venues for the Games.

Oliver Wainwright reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• Paris uses temporary structures and existing landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles, to host Olympic events.
• Significant green upgrades include 250 miles of new bike lanes, metro extensions, and 300,000 new trees.
• The renovated Olympic Village and venues feature eco-friendly designs, although some projects have faced criticism.

Key quote:

“We have transformed public spaces, public transport, the river – without the Games, it could have taken a decade or two more.”

— Emmanuel Grégoire, former Paris deputy mayor for urban planning

Why this matters:

Ultimately, the success of Paris 2024 will be judged not only by the medals won and records broken but also by its ability to pioneer a new era of environmentally responsible global events. Paris’s ability to balance grandeur with green principles could set a new benchmark for future Olympics and other international gatherings. Read more: Life after carbon: The next global transformation of cities.