All eyes are on the torch and cauldron during the Olympic opening ceremony, as the lighting of the cauldron signifies the long-awaited start of the Games. This year, however, there’s a groundbreaking twist—the cauldron won’t use fire!
Instead, the cauldron is equipped with 40 LED lights and over 200 misting nozzles. These lights create the visual effect of fire, while the “smoke” is actually a cloud of water vapor. Rising about 200 feet into the sky each night, this eco-friendly marvel is securely tethered to the ground.
The Paris 2024 Olympics are committed to reducing their carbon footprint by 50% compared to the previous two Games. Traditionally, keeping the cauldron burning involves significant amounts of natural gas, a process known as combustion that releases carbon dioxide and contributes to a larger carbon footprint.
The cauldron’s design, resembling a hot air balloon, is a tribute to a historic milestone. Created by designer Matthew Lehanneur, it commemorates the first manned hot-air balloon flight in Paris in 1783.
This innovative approach not only highlights the Games’ commitment to sustainability but also makes Paris 2024 the greenest Olympics yet!
