Olympic Greenwashing Has a Silver Lining: Adam Minter

For centuries Parisians have emptied sewage into the scenic River Seine, rendering it unsafe for swimming. A $1.5 billion clean-up in advance of the 2024 Olympics was supposed to fix the problem. But as the closing ceremonies approach, the river is safe for swimming only some of the time. Last week, four athletes — two from New Zealand, one from Belgium and another from Switzerland — acquired gastrointestinal illnesses after competing in its waters.

Parisians footing the bill are understandably frustrated at the colossal expense and unfulfilled promise. Amidst an Olympics promoted as the greenest ever, it looks (and perhaps ...