Remember when we started out wondering how a glitzy and glamorous event like the Olympic Games could be so guilty of environmental massacre? Hopefully, in the past 12 weeks, all of you have gained insight on the types of pollution produced at the Olympic Games. More importantly, all of you have recognised that Olympic pollution is geographically uneven in its impacts, where the marginalised are most commonly struck by its impacts (with the exception of light pollution!).
You might now be wondering if this means that we should ban the Olympic Games altogether. Personally, I do not think this is a foolproof solution, considering that the Olympic Games brings major economic benefits for host countries (be it from long-term placemaking or short-term tourism)! However, it is imperative for countries, the International Olympic Committee and civil society actors to collaborate in making the Olympic Games a less pollutive one. While top-down stakeholders contribute towards green infrastructure, bottom-up stakeholders (like you and I) act as regulatory agents that push for change in the face of low political will. Only then can we ensure accountability in implementing environmentally-friendly strategies, and make the Olympic Games a greener one.
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