Color it green: Tokyo wants to make athletes, environment the focus of 2016 Olympics

Tokyo makes environment a priority in 2016 bid

COPENHAGEN — Tokyo’s bid for the 2016 Games could be an environmental model for future Olympics — and the entire world.

Tokyo organizers touted their bid Tuesday, saying the compact plan shows that even the world’s largest cities can make environmental sustainability a reality. Tokyo will use several renovated venues from the 1964 Olympics, and its Olympic stadium would be the world’s first to be powered by solar energy.

To emphasize the impact environmental problems have on the entire world, Tokyo’s organizers brought along an interactive globe that shows the spread of pollutants and possible effects of global warming.

Tokyo is in a tight contest with Chicago, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro ahead of the IOC’s vote Friday to select a host for the 2016 Olympics.