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Eco-Glossary

Olympics

 
Thousands of athletes gather every four years to compete in this international extravaganza that alternates between the Summer Games and the Winter Games. The modern Olympics began just before the 20th century and are a revival of games that originated in Greece. The games include numerous symbols and rituals — notably the torch, the flag and the opening and closing ceremonies. There has been some controversy in recent years over the environmental impact of the Olympics, but the spectacle and athleticism of the Games make it an internationally uniting event. (Photo: Flickr)

Recent Stories


Sochi 2014: An ecological disaster?

Wed, Mar 03 2010 at 1:46 AM EST

Boris Nemtsov, former deputy prime minister of Russia and a leader of an opposition group, is warning that the next Winter Olympics could be an environmental disaster.


Beetles threaten British Columbia's evergreens

Video: Armies of mountain pine beetles are eating their way through the region's vast forest of conifers, and the damage is monumental. NBC's Tom Brokaw reports.


Winter Olympics held in space

Wed, Feb 24 2010 at 2:43 PM EST

Astronauts celebrate the international esprit de corp by performing weightless skiing, skating and more.


Inside the Carbon War Room

Tue, Feb 23 2010 at 8:03 PM EST

The first Carbon War Room summit unveils a battle plan for tackling the mounting climate problem head on.


Winter Olympics fans target Canada's oil sands

Mon, Feb 22 2010 at 1:20 PM EST

A new Sierra Club campaign urges environmentalists to fight oil sands to preserve winter sports.


Vancouver: Torchbearer for green cities

Sat, Feb 20 2010 at 1:55 PM EST

When the Winter Olympics wrap up, Vancouver will be passing more than one torch. The city could light the way for green cities of the future by proving economic prosperity and climate protection can go hand in hand.


Richard Branson declares war on carbon

Fri, Feb 19 2010 at 4:24 AM EST

CEO extraordinaire explains the big problems and big opportunities that a post-carbon world can provide.


Electric ice resurfacers sputter at Olympics

Wed, Feb 17 2010 at 11:45 AM EST

Eco-friendly ice-resurfacing machines sounded great -- until they stopped working in the middle of the men's 500-meter speed skating event.


Olympic crafts for kids

Tue, Feb 16 2010 at 3:00 PM EST

Use the Olympics and these fun crafts to motivate your kids to excellence.


Olympics spur thoughts of everyday fitness

Mon, Feb 15 2010 at 10:57 AM EST

Industry experts say the Olympic example can be a tool to uproot couch potatoes.

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