In the second part of a series exploring the impact of climate change on winter sports, Marion Thénault, a freestyle skier, reflects on the changes she has witnessed in her sport over the past seven years. While she has enjoyed picturesque winters with ample snow for her aerial tricks, she has also observed the detrimental effects of climate change on skiing activities.
Thénault recalls competing in World Cup events where natural snow was scarce, and artificial snow had to be used extensively, creating a stark contrast that left her feeling out of place. She emphasizes how melting snow caused by rising temperatures can affect the execution of jumps and tricks, requiring precise adjustments and measurements to ensure safety and accuracy during aerial maneuvers.
A study conducted in 2024 by the International Olympic Committee revealed that the number of suitable locations to host Winter Olympic Games is declining rapidly due to climate change. This poses a significant threat not only to winter sports but also to the athletes who depend on natural environments for their livelihood.
Thénault, along with other athletes, has been actively advocating for climate action, recognizing the urgency of the situation. She aims to make her journey to the upcoming Olympics carbon neutral and has joined forces with organizations like Protect Our Winters to raise awareness and call for decisive measures to combat climate change.
The IOC has committed to reducing its emissions by 50% by 2030 in alignment with the Paris Agreement. There have been discussions within the organization about the need to prioritize sustainability and address climate change more effectively, with proposals such as rotating the Winter Games among a limited number of permanent venues gaining traction.
While some IOC presidential candidates have emphasized sustainability and climate action in their platforms, athletes like Thénault and Adam van Koeverden are urging for more concrete steps to be taken to safeguard the future of sports and communities worldwide. They stress the importance of making climate change a top priority and ensuring that environmental concerns are addressed proactively.
As athletes continue to raise their voices and push for greater urgency in tackling climate change, the global sports community faces a pivotal moment in addressing this pressing issue that impacts not just the games they play but the world they live in.
