Tokyo Olympics cut carbon emissions from flying by 130,000 tonnes

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-06-17 06:40

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Japanese and NZ researchers estimate that the CO2 emissions from Olympic staff flying to Tokyo were slashed by about 130,000 tonnes, since fewer personnel travelled there due to the pandemic. These emissions - from air travel of Olympic staff - amount to about 40% of the expected emissions from the travel and accommodation of overseas spectators. The authors say the Tokyo case shows that cutting the number of event-related personnel is a key way to mitigate the carbon footprint of mega sports events. They recommend various actions, such as offering live virtual reality streaming and online press conferences for the media.