Sport is an instrument of soft power in modern international relations. Many global sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, bring together athletes from diverse backgrounds to compete healthily. However, criticism has long been directed to major sport competitions for their potential environmental impacts.

Environmental Risks of Olympic Games

The 25th Winter Olympics, or Milano Cortina 2026, are held from February 6th to the 22nd, followed by the Paralympic Games from March 6th to the 15th. As a host, Italy is determined to safeguard the natural ecosystems of both Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, where this major event takes place.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is located in the Italian Alps. The town is surrounded by the Dolomites mountain range which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The heritage landmark is, however, marred by incessant construction projects and timber felling for the purpose of the Olympics. Additionally, approximately 84.8 million cubic feet of water from the Alpine rivers and streams is drawn for snowmaking. This happened against the growing pressure on the rivers’ freshwater supply, which is threatened by climate-induced rising temperature, as well as declining snow and rainfall.

Albeit comparatively smaller than Summer Olympics, various Winter Games require specialized venues, such as for alpine skiing and bobsleigh. However, a study reveals that the sustainability outcomes of both Olympics seasons generally fall short of the rhetoric that has been painted by the organizers of the Olympic Games. In fact, according to a report by Rapid Transition Alliance, global sport’s carbon emissions are equivalent to those of a medium-sized country.

That being said, Milano Cortina is not the first Olympic event that faces criticism for the risks of ecological damage it causes. The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics caused quite an extensive harm with their constructions in the bed of the Mzyma river, discharge of toxic fluids, and exploitation against natural resources. 

Climate Change Impacts

The relationship between sports and the environment is bidirectional. It means that major sporting events may cause environmental problems, and the said ecological devastation also consequently decreases the accessibility to many sports.

Climate change will negatively impact the capacity of roughly half of the former Olympic Winter Games host in the following years. Melting glaciers and deteriorating snow might push countries to adopt technological advancements to tackle this issue. Even so, the reputational effects of the games’ dependency on such measures remain unclear.

Apart from the Olympics, there are other instances where extreme weather influences sporting events. In 2018, the United States (US) Open tennis tournament organizers had to establish an extreme heat policy to help players cope with high temperatures. Similarly, an ongoing bushfire during the Australian Open in 2020 in Melbourne forced one tennis athlete to retire due to breathing problems.

Fostering Sustainability in Major Sporting Events

Albeit challenging, organizing a more responsible Olympic Games is possible. In fact, Milano Cortina 2026 was initially on the right track by generating a greenhouse gas management strategy. The committees also planned several initiatives to reduce carbon footprint, such as using renewable energy, limiting food waste, and supporting a circular economy. However, the implementation remains not as ideal as the plan of action.

Ultimately, the Olympic Games need an overhaul for them to minimize environmental and social risks. Organizers can consider the possibility of event downsizing, which can reduce costs and risks. Supposedly, small scale events would be easier to manage, making it possible to opt for green energy use and collaborate with local businesses.

Additionally,  rotating the Games among representative cities from each continent offers a way to reuse the existing infrastructure. Even if new infrastructures have to be built, the organizers must consider the utilization of recycled materials. Supporting wider digital viewing of the Olympic Games, as previously done during the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, can also be a viable option to keep the festivities with fewer travels. Still, this approach must be done carefully with the consideration of its carbon footprint generation.

Editor: Kresentia Madina

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