The Road to 2028 Olympics: Los Angeles’ Green Blueprint for Sustainable Sports

The Olympics are returning to Los Angeles, and the City of Angels is preparing to host what could be the most sustainable Games in history. At the Route to 2028 Leadership Summit, a diverse coalition—climatetech founders, olympic athletes, policy makers, city officials, artists like Aloe Blacc, wildfire survivors, and music industry leaders—came together to chart a bold course for 2028.

This is more than a global spotlight moment. It’s a chance to show how one of the world’s largest cities can transform and inspire others to follow. If Los Angeles can solve mobility challenges, deliver green energy to every arena and home, reduce waste, and radically improve air quality, then cities and major events everywhere can do the same.

A No-Build, Big-Impact Strategy

The Summit was hosted at BMO Stadium, one of the 49 venues slated for the Games. LA has taken a groundbreaking stance: no new venues. Instead, the focus is on upgrading existing infrastructure and investing in long-term benefits for residents. That means:

• Smart Grid Integration to power venues and neighborhoods with clean energy.
• EV Charging Networks and inductive charging roads to support electric mobility.
• Public Transit Expansion to reduce congestion and emissions.
• Energy Programs that make sustainability a legacy, not a one-time event.

Clean Mobility at the Core

Los Angeles is deploying transformative mobility solutions:

• EV Charging Network: The “Going for Gold” initiative prioritizes heavy-duty EV charging depots for buses and trucks, ensuring clean transit infrastructure well beyond 2028.
• Wireless Charging Road: UCLA’s pilot project embeds inductive coils beneath Charles E. Young Drive, enabling dynamic charging for EVs and buses.
• Transit-First Vision: The $42.9 billion “Twenty-Eight-by-’28” initiative includes Metro D Line extensions, LAX’s Automated People Mover, and a new Metro Transit Center—all designed to make the Games largely car-free.

Streamlined Permitting: Fast-Tracking Change

City officials are leveraging Olympic urgency to expedite permitting and approvals for clean infrastructure. Mayor Karen Bass issued directives to streamline processes and cut red tape—a model that could accelerate future climate projects far beyond the Games.

Recovering and Rebuilding for Resilience

Los Angeles is still healing from devastating wildfires. Voices like Aloe Blacc, an artist who lost his properties and whose home community was impacted, reminded attendees that resilience starts at communities. But the beginnings of a better tomorrow are already sprouting from the ashes. Habitat for Humanity is rebuilding fire-damaged homes with energy-efficient, fire-resistant, and sustainable materials, proving that recovery and climate action can go hand-in-hand.

Climate Change and Live Sports: A Growing Challenge

At the Summit, Olympian Sam Mattis shared a stark reality: track and field athletes have suffered burn marks on their knees from sun-heated tracks while the paramedics had to also treat athletes and staff members for heat strokes. Rising temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable—they are threatening the health and safety of athletes and fans and the future of live sporting events.

Global sports are adapting to extreme heat:

• FIFA World Cup Heat Protocols: Mandatory hydration breaks, shaded benches, and covered stadiums with cooling systems now protect athletes and fans.
• Fan Safety at Concerts: After heat-related incidents at major festivals, organizers are prioritizing cooling zones, ventilation, and hydration stations.

These measures underscore a truth: climate change is reshaping how we play, watch, and celebrate sports. Los Angeles’ sustainability plan isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about safeguarding the future of live events.

Why We’re Hopeful

Yes, the timeline is tight. Yes, the challenges are immense. But the determination in Los Angeles is palpable. Every stakeholder—from city planners to sports industry leaders—is committed to producing world-class miracles in record time. And if LA succeeds, it will set a precedent for every city hosting major events in the future.

If Los Angeles can pull it off, all of us can. Let’s think big.