Paris wants sustainability, but Olympians want meat
Jul 31, 2024
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The Paris Olympics aim for sustainability by promoting eco-friendly food options, but many athletes prefer their traditional meat diets for peak performance. Tensions arise as organizers balance climate initiatives with nutritional needs. The innovative food program mixes plant-based options with classic French cuisine, adding to the dilemma. Meanwhile, JetBlue sees stock success and Tesla faces another recall, showing how business news intertwines with the evolving landscape of global events.
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Quick takeaways
Paris Olympics organizers are shifting towards sustainability by promoting 30% plant-based meals, despite athlete resistance for familiar diets.
The significant rise in NBC's viewership for the Olympics indicates a strong desire for communal engagement despite ongoing logistical challenges.
Deep dives
Sustainability Challenges at the Paris Olympics
The Paris Olympics organizers are implementing a sustainability initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions by promoting plant-based food offerings. Approximately 30% of the meals provided in the Olympic Village will be plant-based, which has met resistance from many athletes who prefer traditional options high in meat and protein. This has led to significant frustration as athletes have expressed concerns about the unfamiliarity of the menus and their nutritional adequacy for peak performance during the games. Specific meal items include inventive dishes like beefless bourguignon and herbaceous chickpea pomade, crafted by renowned chefs, though many athletes have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the culinary shift.
Feeding a Massive Athlete Population
The logistical challenge of feeding over 15,000 athletes in the Olympic Village is immense, requiring about 40,000 meals to be served each day. This setup produces long wait times and concerns over meal freshness, as chefs scramble to meet high demands while offering diet-appropriate options. Some countries, like Great Britain, have responded by sending their own chefs to accommodate athletes who prefer their familiar foods and to mitigate dissatisfaction. These complications highlight the obstacles faced in providing consistent and suitable nutrition within a limited timeframe, all while balancing sustainability goals.
Impact on Viewership and Broadcasting
Despite logistical issues and food controversies, NBC has experienced a significant surge in viewership for the Olympics, with numbers reportedly up around 70 to 80% compared to the previous games held in Tokyo. The opening weekend attracted approximately 35 million viewers across all NBC platforms, showcasing the enduring popularity of the Olympic Games even amid challenges. This resurgence in interest may suggest a desire for communal viewing experiences, as audiences engage with the Olympic events that symbolize global unity. Additionally, NBC's advertising and subscription revenues are likely benefiting from this increased viewership, particularly through their streaming service, Peacock.
Paris Olympic organizers had a huge task this year: make the Olympics more climate-friendly. One of the many ways they’re trying to achieve this is through food. Less meat, more locally grown vegetables. However, many athletes are more interested in maintaining their peak diet for performance. Plus: JetBlue stock takes off and Tesla issues another recall.
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