The Winter Olympics and Paralympics have long symbolized a celebration of winter sports, with snow, cold weather, and mountain landscapes taking center stage. However, the reliance on consistent winter conditions is being challenged as temperatures increase and snowfall becomes less predictable. Environmental experts caution that Olympic organizers may be overstating the sustainability of the Games.
As Italy prepares to host the upcoming Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, the impact of climate change on planning decisions, infrastructure development, and climate commitments is becoming increasingly evident. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognized the issue, with a study commissioned in 2024 revealing that by the 2050s, only around half of previous Winter Olympics host cities may have the necessary cold climate to host the Games.
A ski-resilience index from November 2025 highlighted the vulnerability of many ski resorts to climate change, with Cortina d’Ampezzo, the main site of the upcoming Games, facing challenges. Despite these concerns, the IOC affirms its commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and emphasizes the importance of hosting events in locations with reliable snow conditions.
Concerns about the sustainability of the Winter Games extend to spectator travel emissions, which are not fully accounted for in current assessments. While efforts are made to promote sustainable transportation options, the impact of spectator travel on overall emissions remains significant.
Italy’s sustainability efforts for the upcoming Winter Games are based on past experiences, such as the 2006 Turin Olympics and the 2015 Milan Expo. The organizing committee aims to adhere to international standards for greenhouse gas reporting and plans to offset emissions generated by the event.
Critics raise doubts about the environmental impact of major renovations and new constructions associated with the Games. The construction of venues like the Santa Giulia hockey arena and the controversial sliding centre in Cortina have faced scrutiny for their environmental footprint and long-term sustainability.
Calls for a rotating Winter Games model are gaining traction, with advocates suggesting a limited number of climate-stable venues take turns hosting the event. The challenges posed by climate change and the need for sustainable practices in winter sports highlight the evolving landscape of the Winter Olympics and the importance of addressing environmental concerns in future events.