The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is considering an environmental ban on the Olympic fireworks’ display at the London 2012 opening and closing ceremonies. The concern is with the pollution and toxins that fall back to the ground and waterways after fireworks are discharged. IOC President Jacques Rogge has asked for data on the carbon footprint of previous displays and has referred the issue to the IOC's Sport and Environment Committee for review.
“We all have the responsibility to protect this earth and the fireworks have a tremendous effect on the environment,” explained Sri Lankan National Olympic Committee president Hemasiri Fernando in a Daily Telegraph interview.
One possible suggestion involved replacing the fireworks’ display with a laser lightshow which will be a lot more environmentally benign than fireworks. Fireworks produce smoke and dust that may contain heavy metals, sulphur and toxic chemicals.
Via Daily Telegraph & Wikipedia
Show/Hide comment form
