Can the 2026 Winter Olympics Truly Be Carbon Neutral?
The 2026 Winter Olympics, slated to take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, are being touted as a potential turning point for sustainability in major sporting events. Organizers have pledged to host the first-ever carbon-neutral Winter Games, a goal that faces significant scrutiny given the inherent environmental impact of such a large-scale undertaking. The ambition extends beyond simply minimizing emissions. it involves offsetting unavoidable impacts and setting a new standard for responsible event management. But is this ambition realistic, or is it a case of greenwashing? The question is particularly pressing as the future viability of the Winter Olympics itself is threatened by climate change, with a recent study highlighting the dwindling number of suitable host cities in the coming decades.
The concept of carbon neutrality doesn’t mean zero emissions, but rather achieving a balance between emissions produced and emissions removed from the atmosphere. This is typically accomplished through carbon offsetting projects, such as reforestation or investments in renewable energy. Though, the effectiveness of these offsets is often debated, and concerns remain about their long-term impact and potential for “greenwashing.” Adding to the complexity, the Games will involve 3,500 athletes from 93 countries, spread across four regions and six venues covering over 20,000 square kilometers, presenting a substantial logistical and environmental challenge.
The Challenge of Measuring and Reducing Emissions
Determining the primary contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the Olympics is a complex task. Transportation – for athletes, officials, spectators, and equipment – is a major factor, as is the construction and operation of venues. Energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting too contributes significantly. The Paris 2024 Olympics initially aimed for a reduction to 2 million tonnes of carbon emissions, a figure comparable to the Tokyo 2020 Games, which were held without spectators, according to Notre Environnement.
Sébastien Delamarre, a greenhouse gas management advisor at the Coopérative de solidarité Carbone, a Quebec-based non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the fight against climate change, is likely involved in assessing these emissions and identifying reduction strategies. The Milan-Cortina organizers are focusing on sustainable transportation options, energy-efficient venues, and waste reduction programs. However, achieving true carbon neutrality requires a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of the Games’ footprint, including indirect emissions from supply chains and the lifecycle of materials used.
Athletes Leading the Charge
Beyond the efforts of organizers, individual athletes are also taking steps to minimize their environmental impact. Marion Thénault, a Canadian freestyle skier and bronze medalist at the 2022 Beijing Olympics in the mixed team aerials event, is striving to become the first carbon-neutral athlete, according to reports. The 25-year-aged aerospace engineering student meticulously calculates her own and her federation’s GHG emissions, minimizes travel, and reduces her meat consumption. Thénault’s commitment highlights a growing awareness among athletes of their responsibility to address climate change. She competed at the 2021 World Championships, placing sixth in the women’s aerials, and was named to Canada’s 2022 Olympic team, as detailed on Wikipedia.
The Future of Winter Sports in a Warming World
The pursuit of carbon neutrality at the Milan-Cortina Games is not just about mitigating the environmental impact of a single event; it’s about safeguarding the future of winter sports. A recent study led by Daniel Scott at the University of Waterloo paints a concerning picture. Published in 2026, the study found that only 52 of 93 major winter sports infrastructure sites are projected to have sufficient cold and snow to reliably host the Games by 2050, falling to just 30 sites by 2080 under a “moderate” warming scenario, as reported in Taylor & Francis Online. This poses a significant threat to the long-term viability of the Winter Olympics and other winter sports competitions.
The situation is even more precarious for the Paralympic Games, which are held later in the winter season when conditions are often less favorable. This research underscores the urgent need for climate action to preserve the future of winter sports and the communities that depend on them. The study’s findings raise fundamental questions about the sustainability of the current Olympic model and the need for innovative solutions to adapt to a changing climate.
Beyond Milan-Cortina: A Global Movement
Recognizing the broader challenges, the 2030 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City are aiming to integrate climate action into the heart of the Games, inspired by the United Nations’ Sports for Climate Action framework. This initiative encourages sports organizations to measure, reduce, and report their GHG emissions, and to advocate for climate-friendly policies. Specifically, the framework calls for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040.
What concrete steps can be taken? Athletes can prioritize sustainable travel options, reduce their consumption of resource-intensive products, and advocate for environmental responsibility within their sports federations. Spectators can choose public transportation, minimize waste, and support sustainable tourism initiatives. Sponsors can invest in green technologies and promote environmentally friendly practices. The success of these efforts will depend on collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability across all stakeholders.
What Can Be Done?
Yves-Marie Abraham, a professor at HEC Montréal specializing in ecological economics and degrowth, suggests a fundamental shift in perspective is needed. He argues that continuous economic growth is incompatible with environmental sustainability and advocates for a “degrowth” model that prioritizes well-being over material consumption. Abraham is launching a program on degrowth at HEC Montréal this fall, as noted on the HEC Montréal website. This approach challenges the conventional wisdom that economic growth is always desirable and calls for a more equitable and sustainable distribution of resources.
The question of whether the Milan-Cortina Games will truly be carbon neutral remains open. While the organizers are making commendable efforts to reduce emissions and invest in offsetting projects, achieving true neutrality is a complex and challenging undertaking. The success of these efforts will depend on transparency, accountability, and a willingness to embrace innovative solutions. The Games represent an opportunity to demonstrate that major sporting events can be held in a sustainable manner, but it will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
The next key milestone will be the release of the full environmental impact assessment for the Milan-Cortina Games in late 2026, which will provide a more detailed picture of the Games’ carbon footprint and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities for sustainable sports in the comments below.