Los Angeles is treating the 2028 Olympics as a major test of whether a global sporting event can accelerate climate and environmental progress in a car-dependent city. Officials are investing heavily in cleaner transport and related infrastructure, but community and transit advocates question whether the improvements will endure after the Games or merely serve visitors temporarily.

The 2026 World Cup, for which Los Angeles hosted eight matches, has provided an early trial of public-transport arrangements ahead of the Olympics. LA28 plans a transit-first, effectively no-car Games, with no spectator parking at venues; organisers also aim to use existing or temporary venues and procure renewable electricity, while public agencies seek a longer-term legacy in mobility and climate resilience.