As the Winter Olympics approach, attention not only turns to the athletes but also the effects of climate change on the host locations. The average temperatures in Milan and Cortina, where the Games are set to occur, have risen by three degrees Celsius over the past fifty years, leading to less reliable snowfall. This trend poses increased challenges for both the organizers and the athletes, who are accustomed to specific winter conditions.

In the last Winter Olympics held in Cortina 70 years ago, the average February temperature was notably cooler, allowing for more dependable winter sports conditions. The current rise in temperatures not only affects the quality of the snow but also raises concerns about the sustainability of winter sports in these increasingly warm environments. As snow cover diminishes, both the logistics of hosting such events and the athletes' performances may be impacted.

The implications of these temperature changes extend beyond just the immediate challenges of maintaining winter sports. They reflect a broader trend of climate change that could threaten the future of the Winter Olympics themselves. With warmer conditions likely to continue, the Olympic committee may need to reconsider the viability of some traditional winter sport locations, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action and adaptation measures in the sports industry.