In the second part of a series exploring the impact of climate change on winter sports, freestyle skier Marion Thénault reflects on her experiences over the past seven years. She has witnessed both the beauty of snowy winters essential for her sport and the harsh realities of climate change affecting skiing and other winter sports.
Climate change has become a pressing issue for athletes like Thénault, who rely on natural environments for their livelihood. She recalls unsettling moments at World Cup events where green grass covered the mountains, except for artificial snow patches used for competition, highlighting the drastic effects of climate change.
Thénault emphasizes how melting snow affects performance, requiring precise adjustments during jumps due to varying conditions like dry ice making the surface slippery. A study commissioned by the International Olympic Committee in 2024 warned that only half of the previous Winter Olympic host cities may be suitable for hosting by the 2050s due to climate change.
Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, Thénault and other athletes are speaking out about the need to prioritize climate action. They stress the importance of not only preserving winter sports but also protecting the unique natural landscapes that these sports depend on.
Thénault has taken steps to reduce her carbon footprint, aiming to make her journey to the upcoming Olympics carbon neutral. Alongside other Canadian athletes, she signed a letter urging the government to take swift action against climate change.
The International Olympic Committee has committed to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030, aligning with the Paris Agreement. Athletes worldwide are concerned about the IOC’s response to climate change, with some proposing innovative solutions like rotating the Winter Olympic Games among a limited number of permanent venues.
Athletes like Thénault and Canadian Secretary of Sport Adam van Koeverden are pushing for stronger climate action, emphasizing the immediate impact of climate change on sports, economies, and communities. They call for bold leadership to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
