Sustaining Sydney: The ‘Green Olympics’ from a global perspective

Abstract

This paper grapples with the question of whether globalisation and sustainable development are at odds or can be mutually supportive, through a case study of Sydney and its successful bid for the 2000 Olympics. The systemic context for urbanisation in the global economy and recent policy developments and physical change in Sydney are discussed in light of the competing cities phenomenon. The potential of the ‘Green Games’ to enhance urban sustainability is then considered. Positive aspects identified included the development of new environmental benchmarks, the potential for changed business attitudes and increased consumer awareness, as well as NGO participation (particularly the IOC) in a decentralised global environmental governance regime. However, evaluated in light of the pressures imposed by a globalised economic system, their effective adoption appears to be constrained. While it remains to be seen whether Sydney's Green Games will lead to more than tokenistic changes, this paper contends that, although market based environmentalism is a good first step forward, public sector commitment will be required if strong sustainable development is to be achieved.