Physical Address
23,24,25 & 26, 2nd Floor, Software Technology Park India, Opp: Garware Stadium,MIDC, Chikalthana, Aurangabad, Maharashtra – 431001 India
As the International Olympic Committee (IOC) prepares to elect a new president, over 400 Olympians from both the Summer and Winter Games have united in an open letter urging the incoming leader to prioritise climate action. The athletes argue that the very future of the Olympic Games is at risk due to the increasing impact of climate change, and they are calling on the IOC to take more substantial steps to protect the planet.
Climate Change: A Growing Threat to the Olympics
The Olympics are a rare moment of global unity. The world gathers to witness extraordinary athletic performances, from sprinters racing for gold to ski jumpers soaring through the air. However, in recent years, the Games have become a different kind of stage—one where the harsh realities of climate change are played out in real-time.
Rising temperatures, declining snowfall, and extreme weather events are making it increasingly difficult to host the world’s largest sporting event. Heatwaves at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics led to distress among athletes, while the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics had to rely almost entirely on artificial snow. These challenges are only expected to worsen in the coming years, threatening the integrity of outdoor competitions and the health of athletes.
“We are already seeing the effects of climate change on our competitions,” the open letter states. “Without urgent action, the future of sport—and our planet—is in jeopardy.”
Athletes Demand Stronger Climate Commitments
The letter, signed by Olympians across various disciplines, calls on the IOC to:
1. Strengthen Sustainability Measures – Ensure that all Olympic Games align with the Paris Agreement and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
2. Promote Climate-Conscious Hosting: Require host cities to meet strict environmental standards, such as using renewable energy and limiting waste.
3. Advocate for Global Climate Policies—Use the Olympics’ global platform to advocate for more decisive international climate action.
4. Support Athletes Speaking on Climate Issues – Protect and empower athletes who use their voices to advocate for sustainability.
IOC’s Existing Efforts & the Call for More Action
The IOC has already taken steps to address climate change, committing to making the Games carbon-neutral by 2030 and working with host cities to promote sustainability. The Paris 2024 Olympics, for example, aims to be the first carbon-neutral Games powered by renewable energy and using existing infrastructure to minimise its environmental impact.
However, athletes argue that these efforts are not enough. As climate change intensifies each year, they believe the IOC must act more urgently.
A Defining Moment for the Future of the Games
As the IOC prepares to elect its new president, the decision will shape the organisation’s future and the legacy of the Olympic Games in an era of climate crisis. Will the incoming leader rise to the challenge and prioritise climate action? Or will the Olympic movement risk being overtaken by the environmental challenges of the 21st century?
The answer is clear for the 400+ Olympians who signed the letter: The time for bold action is now.
References:
Over 400 Olympians Call For Bold Climate Action From Incoming IOC President
https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/the-heat-is-on
https://www.reuters.com/sports/olympians-make-climate-plea-ioc-presidential-candidates-2025-03-14
Photo by Frans van Heerden https://www.pexels.com/photo/olympic-figure-720456/
Banner Image: Photo by Pixabay
