One week before the election of a new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), more than 400 athletes from around the world call for the body to strengthen its action for the environment, including vis-à-vis sponsors “Very polluting”in a letter published Friday March 14.
“To the future president (of the IOC, editor’s note), we ask that the following subject be placed above all the others during your mandate: the protection of our planet”write these Olympic athletes, including the British rowing champion Alan Campbell, the French discobole Mélina Robert-Michon or the skier Marie Martinod (ski half pipe).
“The rise in temperatures and extreme weather conditions already disrupt the calendar of competitions, jeopardize emblematic sites and affect the health of athletes and supporters”they write. “Extreme heat raise real concerns about the possibility of organizing summer games in complete safety” in the future “they still continue, explicitly referring to the recent devastating fires of Los Angeles, host of the 2028 edition.
“Establish new standards”
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As for the winter games, which will be held in Italy in 2026 and in France in 2030, they “For their part become more and more difficult to organize, due to the degradation of the conditions of snow and ice”they note.
“This is no longer a distant threat, but a current, and growing problem, for the sports we love and for the countries that make up our Olympic family”according to them.
These athletes thus call for the new president or the new president – only one woman is a candidate on seven contenders for the succession of Thomas Bach -, to “Strengthen commitments to quickly reduce carbon emissions”, “Promote lasting practices in host cities”, “Establish new standards concerning the sponsorships of very polluting companies”.
The partnership with Coca-Cola, a long-standing sponsor of the IOC, and a large plastic polluter, is regularly the subject of criticism. Last summer, the NGO France Nature Environnement filed a complaint in France against the American company that it accuses of having deceived consumers during the Paris Games by promising “Zero waste” as a supplier of drinks despite the use of plastic bottles.
The signatories of this letter ask to meet the new president of the IOC to “Discuss these commitments”.
The athletes’ plea highlights a rising tide of environmental consciousness within the Olympic movement, urging the IOC to act decisively. This is not merely a matter of environmental stewardship; it’s about the integrity of the Games themselves. The very essence of athletic competition – the ability to perform at one’s peak – is threatened by climate change. As extreme weather events escalate, the safety and fairness of global sporting events are increasingly at risk.
The Growing Crisis and Athlete Concerns
The athletes’ concerns resonate deeply with recent scientific findings and global trends. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves, droughts, and severe storms are increasing, directly impacting the health and well-being of athletes and spectators. Moreover, the viability of winter sports is under scrutiny, particularly in regions with declining snowfall and ice cover. The IOC’s environmental policies face intense scrutiny as a result.
The athletes’ call for stronger action includes:
- reducing Carbon emissions: A commitment to swift and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across all Olympic operations.
- Lasting Practices in Host Cities: Implementing long-term environmental strategies that extend beyond the Games themselves, fostering lasting positive impacts on host communities.
- Sponsorship Standards: New, stricter rules regarding partnerships with entities known to heavily pollute.
The athletes are advocating for reforms that will ensure the Games continue to inspire and unite the world, but also safeguard the planet for future generations. Their call underscores the urgent need for the IOC to evolve its approach to environmental duty, aligning the Olympic spirit with the global imperative to combat climate change.To underscore the gravity of the situation,and quantify the risks,here is a summary of the key threats
Environmental Impact at a Glance: Olympic Games
The following table provides a concise overview of the environmental challenges facing the Olympic games,the impact of climate change,and potential solutions as championed by athletes and environmental advocates. This structured analysis offers a clear snapshot of the complex issues at play.
| Category | Issue/Challenge | Impact | Proposed Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Change Effects | Rising temperatures,extreme weather events (heatwaves,droughts,storms),and changes in snow/ice conditions. | Disrupted competition schedules, health risks to athletes and spectators, damage to iconic locations, the viability of winter sports. | IOC to establish new standards regarding commitments to rapidly reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable practices in host cities and concerning the sponsorships of highly polluting companies. |
| Carbon Footprint | Transportation (flights, local travel), construction (venues), operational energy consumption, waste management. | Significant greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming. | aggressive reduction targets. Prioritize carbon-neutral operations. |
| Waste Management | Excessive waste generation, including plastic pollution from sponsors and events. | Environmental degradation, land pollution, and harm to marine ecosystems. | Eliminate plastic waste. Ensure comprehensive recycling programs, support circular economy initiatives, and promote sustainable sourcing. |
| Sponsorships | Partnerships with environmentally damaging corporations (e.g., plastic polluters, carbon-intensive industries). | Greenwashing, undermining environmental goals, and contributing to pollution. | Implement strict criteria and vet sponsors based on environmental performance and create new standards concerning sponsorships of very polluting companies. |
The call for action comes at a pivotal moment, with new leadership emerging. The athletes’ collective voice provides a powerful impetus for change. This is an opportunity for the IOC to not only address the environmental challenges facing the Olympic Games but also to set a precedent for international sporting events globally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Addressing common queries helps illuminate the discussion surrounding these topics, increasing accessibility and understanding.
Q: Why are athletes speaking out about environmental issues?
A: Athletes are directly impacted by climate change through disrupted training schedules, health risks, and the decline of iconic competition locations. They see firsthand the consequences of extreme weather and are compelled to advocate for sustainable practices to preserve their sport and the planet.
Q: Which sports are most affected by climate change?
A: Winter sports are particularly vulnerable due to the decline of snow and ice. Summer sports are also at risk as of heat-related issues. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are disrupting a growing number of competitions
Q: what role do sponsors play in environmental impact?
A: Sponsors can considerably impact the environmental footprint of the Games. Many companies are environmentally damaging by generating waste and using heavy carbon emissions.
Q: What specific actions are athletes calling for?
A: Athletes urge the IOC to reduce carbon emissions, emphasize sustainable practices in host cities, and establish stringent standards for sponsors.
Q: Has the IOC responded to these calls for action?
A: The IOC has a history of environmental initiatives, but athletes are urging them to strengthen these commitments considering growing climate change concerns. They are specifically asking for more aggressive reduction targets, sustainable practices, and strict regulations regarding sponsors.
Q: Is there a precedent for sustainability in the Olympics?
A: Yes, Games in the past have implemented some sustainable practices, such as water conservation and eco-kind builds. However,there is now a call for these practices to be significantly upgraded to match the urgency of the climate crisis.
Q: What are the potential consequences of not addressing these issues?
A: The risks are significant, including compromised athlete health, the decline of competitions, and the loss of the Olympic Games’ cultural significance. Failure to act could result in the Games becoming out of step with a global push for sustainability.
The athletes’ collective demand for change serves as a compelling call to action, challenging the IOC to enhance its environmental stewardship and fortify the Olympics’ future. Their advocacy mirrors a broader global shift toward environmental responsibility, reminding us that change is not just needed but imperative for the sustainability of sports.
