Brazilians have planted some 46,000 trees to neutralize all of the carbon emitted during Rio de Janeiro’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In fact, concern for the environment is one of the pillars of the Rio 2016 bid, and the saplings are part of the state government’s “Rio 2016 Zero Carbon” project. In all, Rio 2016 will offset 716 tons of carbon relative to the period September 2007 to October 2009.

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Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics is bold. It’s exciting. And, it’s green.

In fact, Chicago 2016 organizers even call their concept of the Olympics the “Blue-Green Games.”

Blue for clean air and water. And, green for parks and nature. Together, the blue and green combine to create the ideal conditions necessary for optimal athletic performance.

What’s more, Chicago 2016 organizers have developed a comprehensive plan that will deliver the most eco-friendly games in modern history.

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If you build it they will come. If you stage them, they will come. If you put the pandas on display, they will come.  Beijing has brought 8 Giant Pandas to the city and put them on display for Olympic visitors and elsewise. Since June 5th, more than 1 million people have come to see the ambassadors for sport, the Middle Kingdom and everything else China wants them to represent.

So, what about using animals for material gain or otherwise? Sure, the animals are cared for, but I don’t think for a minute that they are getting their share of the money spent by those one million visitors. What’s that 20,000 visitors a day, 800 an hour 13 each minute. Five second look at a panda…NEXT!!

I’ve never been too much into zoos and putting animals on display for the benefit of the keepers and all those around. How about you? Is this another human, um, panda-rights violation example? Where’ s those topless PETA protesters when you  need them?

Beijing is a city of about 11 million people. Since 2001, in the lead up to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games the city has spent some $8.8 billion to improve its power supply capability. What does the city have to show for it?

1. Total power supply capability is up 124%

2. The city now has 344 transformer sub-stations

3. The sub-stations generate 37,840 kilovolts of power or more.

4. Blackout times per household have decreased by 40%

5. Natural gas transmissions have reached 15.3 billion cubic meters/year UP 400%!

6. Central heating network for the city is 837 km (500+ miles) and 130 million square meters up 100% from 2001.

7. The city’s total heating area is up 70% from 200.

And, of course, the city is burning enough energy to supply all of central Africa. But, then wh0’s comparing? The Games happen in about 2+ weeks. I don’t know about you, but I am betting the Opening Ceremony will definitely be worth watching. China does know how to throw a party even if it doesn’t care about the cost.

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