The future of winter sports is at stake as climate change threatens the very essence of the Winter Olympics. Belgian biathlete Maya Cloetens, training for the upcoming Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy, can't help but worry about the impact of climate change on her beloved sport. With the Earth warming at an unprecedented rate, the list of reliable host cities for the Winter Olympics is shrinking rapidly. According to researchers, only 52 out of 93 mountain locations currently equipped with winter sports infrastructure will have sufficient snow depth and cold temperatures to host the Winter Olympics in the 2050s. This number could drop to as low as 30 by the 2080s, depending on the world's efforts to curb carbon dioxide pollution. The situation is dire, prompting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to consider rotating the games among a permanent pool of suitable locations and holding them earlier in the season. Karl Stoss, chairing the Future Host Commission, emphasizes the urgency of the situation. The potential host sites for the Winter Olympics are dwindling, and the Paralympic Winter Games, which follow two weeks after the Olympics, face an even bleaker outlook. Researchers suggest that starting both sets of games about three weeks earlier could almost double the number of reliable locations for the Paralympics. However, the reliance on snowmaking technology, which requires immense energy and water, raises concerns about its long-term sustainability. The Italian company TechnoAlpin, supplying snowmaking systems, acknowledges the challenges, with Davide Cerato, overseeing snowmaking operations, expressing uncertainty about the future. The impact of climate change on snowmaking is evident in the Alps, where seasonal snowfall has significantly reduced over the last 40 years due to rising temperatures. Italian climatologist Luca Mercalli observes the stark contrast between the snow-covered mountains of the past and the grey landscapes of today. The use of artificial snow, while a temporary solution, has its limitations and raises questions about the environmental impact of the Olympics. The organizing committee of the Milan-Cortina Games estimates the need for 946 million liters of water for snowmaking, highlighting the critical role of water resources. Carmen de Jong, a hydrology professor, emphasizes the importance of water, stating that without it, the Games cannot take place. As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, the IOC is taking steps to minimize the environmental impact of the Olympics. They are requiring hosts to reduce water and electricity use and avoid unnecessary construction. The committee is also considering reducing the number of sports, athletes, and spectators to protect winter sports for the long term. The 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps and the 2034 Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, are examples of the IOC's strategic planning. Switzerland is being exclusively discussed for 2038 due to its existing infrastructure and excellent public transportation. The future of the Winter Olympics lies in choosing countries with good climate conditions and high standards for environmental protection. Diana Bianchedi, the organizing committee's chief strategy, planning, and legacy officer, emphasizes the need for a sustainable future, both for the Olympic movement and broader social transformation. The time for change is now, and the Winter Olympics must adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
