The Winter Olympics taking place this year in Milan Cortina, Italy, are overshadowed by the pressing issue of climate change, as rising temperatures pose a threat to the viability of the Games. The reliance on artificial snow production is particularly alarming; to prepare the venues, organisers are pumped 50,000 cubic metres of water, equivalent to approximately 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools, to ensure sufficient snow coverage for the athletes. This practice not only places a strain on local water resources but also raises questions about the sustainability of hosting such large-scale winter sports events as climate patterns continue to shift.

The issue is not isolated to this year’s Games; it reflects a broader trend impacting future Winter Olympics, where host cities may find it increasingly difficult to provide the necessary winter conditions due to global warming. The transition toward artificial alternatives hints at a larger existential dilemma for winter sports, where natural snow and ice are becoming less reliable. As the planet warms, many regions that traditionally host the Olympics could become unsuitable for winter sports altogether.

Valérie Dekimpe, the environment editor, underscores that the survival of the Winter Olympics hinges on addressing these environmental challenges and reconsidering how such games are organised. This involves a critical evaluation of the carbon footprint of the Games and a shift towards sustainable practices to ensure that the iconic event can continue to thrive despite the climate crisis.