International Olympic Committee eyes 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is eyeing a 50 percent cut to its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. 

IOC President Thomas Bach announced the goal during the General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees in Greece.

This is an increase from the committee’s previous commitment to reduce emissions by 45 percent in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

The IOC has set a reduction target of a 30 percent reduction by 2024 when the next Summer Olympic Games will be held in Paris, France. 

“The climate crisis is arguably the biggest challenge humanity is facing,” Bach said. 

“It is affecting all areas of our lives, including sport of course, as an important part of society. By further reducing our carbon emissions, we strengthen our contribution to the realisation of the Paris Agreement, follow the latest science on climate change, and contribute better to this global effort. We urge all other sports organisations to follow suit,” he said.

The committee’s latest announcement comes amid the publication of the Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which found that human-induced climate change is intensifying at an unprecedented pace. 

According to the IPCC report, all parties in the framework will be required to reduce their emissions by 50 percent by 2030 to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 Celsius.