Paris's Olympic legacy — cool climate solutions or dangerously hot competition?

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Paris is striving for an Olympic legacy of sustainability, but organizers have faced criticism for some of their strategies before the Games even begin. 

Marketed as the most climate-friendly Games to date, the Paris 2024 organizers are aiming to halve the carbon emissions of the Games in London and Rio de Janeiro.

The Paris Games aspire to be the first Olympics aligned with 2015's Paris Agreement. They are set to run on 100 per cent renewable energy, with 95 per cent of the venues built in pre-existing or temporary spaces.

"From spectator seating to tents, beds, chairs, tables and even tennis balls — every asset has been meticulously planned," the official Olympics website reads.

But at least one part of the plan is unravelling just weeks before the opening ceremonies.

A water-based geothermal cooling system meant to keep the athletes' village buildings at least 6 C cooler than outside temperatures got significant pushback from national teams. 

Organizers have been insistent that the proven cooling technology, along with passive building design, would keep athletes comfortable. 

But with high temperatures expected in Paris, and high stakes for safety and performance, many teams made plans to bring in portable units for cooler sleeping conditions.

The Paris organizers are now offering air conditioner rentals for teams willing to pay, and at least 2,500 units will be installed before the start of the Games on July 26, including for Team Canada's athletes.

The green-Games tension also extends to the official car of the Olympics —