The Winter Olympic Games to be held in Milan-Cortina in 2026 will generate high carbon emissions, which could melt up to 5.5 km2 of snow.
This is indicated by a recent study conducted by the New Weather Institute, which calculates that the snow loss will be equivalent to about 3000 ice hockey rinks.
Due to this, one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year threatens to accelerate the climate crisis which, ironically, also affects winter sports.
The report titled “Olympic Games on Fire. How the Winter Olympic Games, by serving as a platform for polluters, are melting the snow they depend on” revealed alarming data about the event’s environmental impact.
According to the study, the Winter Olympic Games will generate around 930,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Of this figure, about 410,000 tons will come from spectator travel.
Corporate sponsorships increase the carbon footprint
The analysis by the British think tank identified a source of additional emissions that would even exceed the official footprint of the event.
Contracts with three major sponsors —the Italian oil and gas company Eni, the car manufacturer Stellantis, and the airline ITA Airways— could induce emissions of about 1.3 million CO2.
This figure represents about 40% more than the estimated official carbon footprint of the entire event. Combined, the total emissions would reach 2.2 million tons of CO2.
The cumulative impact of the Winter Olympic Games and their sponsorships would cause the loss of 5.5 square kilometers of snow cover.
Additionally, it would cause the melting of more than 34 million tons of glacial ice in the coming years.
The European context worsens the situation
Italy, host of the Games, lost 265 ski resorts in the last five years, according to the study. Meanwhile, Switzerland saw 55 chairlifts and cable cars close in the same period.
“As an athlete whose joy and livelihood come from skiing, I wish for a world where this sport can continue. The Olympic Games will always generate emissions, and reducing them must be a priority,” said Swedish professional cross-country skier Björn Sandström.
The report acknowledged that since 1994 efforts have been made to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
Especially since 2018, when a detailed report on direct and indirect emissions was carried out.
However, the focus remains on two areas that were neglected: replacing sponsorship agreements with high carbon footprint corporations and adopting measures to reduce emissions from spectator travel.
Proposals to reduce the impact of the Winter Olympic Games
The New Weather Institute proposed effective actions to mitigate the emissions of the Winter Olympic Games:
- End sponsorship agreements with high carbon footprint corporations
- Avoid the construction of new venues and other infrastructures
- Significantly reduce the number of spectators traveling by plane
- Replace partnerships with fossil fuel companies, airlines, and car manufacturers with companies of much lower carbon impact
The study called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to end agreements with polluting companies.
“Without changes,” the report warned, “Milan-Cortina will hand over a baton of melting snow and ice to the French alpine hosts of 2030“.
