Beijing 2022 can be springboard to greener future

The moment former International Olympic Committee chief Juan Antonio Samaranch announced Beijing had won the 2008 Olympic Games is etched on my mind.

Thousands of jubilant people took to the streets. There were hugs between cheering strangers. Drivers honked their horns wildly. It was a carnival atmosphere.

When again the capital was announced as host of the 2022 Winter Olympics, I had hoped for the same, but this time the celebrations seemed a lot more sober.