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The winter Olympics and Paralympics have long highlighted the allure of snow-covered peaks and icy conditions. However, an unsettling trend is emerging as global temperatures rise, threatening the very environments essential for these games. Environmental specialists caution that the sustainability claims made by Olympic organizers may be overly optimistic, particularly with the upcoming Winter Games scheduled in Italy.
As Italy gears up to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 2026, the clash between climate change and sporting events becomes increasingly evident. This dynamic affects everything from venue selection to infrastructure development, prompting scrutiny regarding the practicality of commitments made to uphold environmental stewardship.
Rising temperatures and their impact
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has acknowledged the pressing nature of climate change. A study commissioned by the IOC forecasts that by the 2050s, only half of the cities that previously hosted the Winter Olympics will likely have the necessary cold conditions to support the games. This concerning outlook is highlighted by a recent ski-resilience index, which categorizes numerous winter sports resorts as increasingly vulnerable. Cortina d’Ampezzo, the main venue for the upcoming Olympics, exemplifies this precarious situation.
Climate reliability concerns
As winter sports confront the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring reliable snow conditions has become increasingly urgent. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has set a target to reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030. This goal requires host cities to utilize existing venues or temporary facilities. To be eligible, these venues must be classified as climate reliable, meaning they can sustain adequate snow levels without excessive artificial intervention.
In the Italian Alps, where the Games are scheduled to take place, average temperatures have already exceeded historical averages. For example, February highs in Milan can reach 10.2°C, while Cortina records an average of about 4.2°C. As natural snowfall becomes less predictable, the dependence on artificial snow and refrigeration systems has transitioned from an optional measure to a critical requirement.
Challenges in sustainability planning
Despite Italy’s historical commitment to sustainability, as demonstrated during the 2006 Turin Olympics and the 2015 Milan Expo, the current planning for the Milano-Cortina Games faces significant challenges. Gloria Zavatta, the sustainability director for the upcoming Olympics, highlights the necessity of measuring emissions. The organizers plan to comply with the ISO 14064 international standard for greenhouse gas reporting, committing to perform a comprehensive carbon inventory by 2026 and offset those emissions.
Travel and accommodation pitfalls
However, these sustainability initiatives frequently overlook major sources of emissions, particularly those generated from spectator travel. While guidelines encourage attendees to minimize flights and choose public transport, the organizers have limited influence over these choices. Zavatta argues that the event serves as a platform to raise awareness about climate issues, yet critics assert that this reasoning falls short.
Madeleine Orr, an expert in sport ecology at the University of Toronto, emphasizes that previous Olympic Games have claimed to prioritize climate awareness, yet substantial actions remain pending. She expresses concern that the Milano-Cortina Games will struggle to achieve sustainability benchmarks. This skepticism is heightened by the Paris 2026 Summer Games, which have been heralded as the most sustainable Olympics to date, but faced criticism for exaggerating their environmental achievements.
Creative accounting and future considerations
A significant area of concern is the organizers’ definition of reuse. They claim that 92% of the venues for the Milano-Cortina Games already exist, with only two new facilities planned. However, major renovations to these structures are not fully reflected in the emissions totals, raising questions about the transparency of their sustainability claims.
Concerns over infrastructure decisions for the Winter Games
The decision-making process regarding infrastructure for the Winter Games has faced criticism for being reactive, often finalizing choices before sustainability planning is adequately addressed. A notable example is the controversial sliding center in Cortina, where plans to repurpose the existing luge track led to significant reconstruction efforts, including the removal of numerous mature trees.
Despite the rapid construction of the sliding track, there are ongoing concerns about its long-term sustainability. The energy requirements for maintaining ice and the limited number of athletes participating in these winter sports raise the potential for the facility to become a costly and underutilized asset.
In light of these challenges, the idea of a rotating model for hosting the Winter Games is gaining popularity. Proponents argue that selecting climate-stable venues to share hosting responsibilities could help reduce environmental impacts and ensure the continuity of the event amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
As the Milano-Cortina Games approach, the challenge of harmonizing the essence of winter sports with the realities of climate change intensifies. Organizers face mounting pressure as they navigate the complexities of hosting a winter event in an increasingly warm environment. This commitment to sustainability is undergoing rigorous scrutiny, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to address the environmental impacts associated with the Games.
Emerging trends show that without proactive measures, the viability of winter sports may be jeopardized. The future arrives faster than expected: climate conditions are shifting, leading to unpredictable weather patterns that threaten the very foundation of winter sports. As the Games draw closer, stakeholders must prioritize sustainable practices to preserve the integrity of the event while addressing the pressing issues posed by climate change.
Preparing for this evolving landscape requires collaboration among athletes, organizers, and environmental experts. By embracing disruptive innovation and advocating for sustainable infrastructure, the Milano-Cortina Games can set a precedent for future winter events. The choices made today will shape the future of winter sports and their role in a world grappling with the effects of climate change.