Paris Olympics Face Challenges with Polluted Seine River

Doug McIntyre and David Callaway discuss the significant challenge facing the Paris Olympics due to the polluted Seine River. Historically contaminated by waste for centuries, the Seine’s water quality is so poor that Olympic officials initially deemed it too dirty for events. The mayor of Paris and a national government representative attempted to demonstrate its safety by swimming in wetsuits, but competitors usually swim without such protection. This issue is not unique to Paris but prevalent in major city waterways globally, such as the Chicago River, Hudson River, and Thames. The Seine has been closed to swimming since 1923, yet efforts are now underway to reroute sewage and clean the river. Despite these efforts, the water quality fluctuates daily, especially after rain, making it uncertain if swimming events will proceed. This situation underscores broader urban waterway pollution problems and the need for comprehensive solutions.