21,000 Athletes Urge IOC for Fossil-Free Skiing
Norwegian skier Nikolai Schirmer has taken significant steps to address climate change impacts on winter sports. On Wednesday, he presented a petition to the International Olympic Committee. This petition, named “Ski Fossil Free,” gathered support from over 21,000 athletes and advocates.
Petition for Fossil-Free Skiing
Schirmer delivered the petition to Julie Duffus, the IOC’s head of sustainability, at a hotel in Milan. This meeting occurred just two days before the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics was set to begin. The petition urges both the IOC and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to create a report assessing the impact of fossil fuel marketing before the next winter sports season.
Schirmer’s Message
In a conversation with the Associated Press after the meeting, Schirmer expressed concerns about the IOC’s willingness to adapt. He remarked, “It seems like the Olympics aren’t ready to be the positive force for change that they have the potential to be.” He aims for this petition to serve as a catalyst for future changes in the Olympic structure.
Schirmer, a two-time European Skier of the Year, recognizes the immediate threats posed by climate change. He stated, “The show goes on while the [thing] you depend on to do your job—winter—is disappearing.” He underscored the necessity of addressing climate issues and emphasized the need for skiing to become a leader in facilitating change.
Impact of Climate Change on Winter Sports
The burning of fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas, is the leading contributor to climate change. As global temperatures rise, winters are becoming shorter and milder. This results in less snowfall, posing significant challenges for winter sports events.
- Increased temperatures lead to shorter winters.
- Fewer reliable venues for future Winter Games.
Recent studies suggest that many traditional winter sports locations may struggle to host future Olympic events. This reality underscores the urgency of Schirmer’s petition.
Global Reactions and Future Steps
Schirmer’s initiative draws parallels to the historic campaign that succeeded in banning tobacco advertisements during the Olympics. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has echoed calls for bans on fossil fuel advertising, urging nations worldwide to reconsider their associations with these industries.
Although the IOC emphasizes its commitment to renewable energy, critics argue that these efforts fall short. While the IOC stated that climate change poses a significant threat to sports and society, it remains uncertain whether they will address the petition’s request regarding fossil fuel marketing.
Schirmer’s efforts mark an essential step toward creating a sustainable future for winter sports. Advocates hope this initiative will inspire meaningful action from the IOC and related organizations.
