For many years, the Winter Olympics and Paralympics have been known for showcasing cold-weather sports in snowy mountain settings. However, with rising temperatures and unpredictable snowfall, concerns about the sustainability of the Games have been brought to light by environmental experts.
As Italy prepares to host the upcoming Winter Olympics followed by the Paralympic Games, the challenges posed by climate change are influencing various aspects of event planning, infrastructure development, and environmental commitments, highlighting the difficulties in maintaining sustainability promises.
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The Impact of Climate Change on Winter Sports
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Forecasting the Impact of Climate Change on Milano Cortina 2026
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognized the issue, with a 2024 study revealing that by the 2050s, only approximately half of past Winter Olympics host cities would have suitable cold conditions to host the Games.
A study in November 2025 evaluating snow reliability placed many resorts at higher risk, including Cortina d’Ampezzo, the primary location for the upcoming Games. This uncertainty raises concerns about the post-Games sustainability of these venues.
Despite these challenges, the IOC remains committed to its climate targets, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and requiring host cities to utilize existing or temporary facilities extensively. Competition sites must maintain climate reliability to host events without excessive artificial interventions until at least mid-century.
Notably, temperatures in the Italian Alps are surpassing long-term averages, affecting natural snowpack levels and necessitating artificial snow production and refrigeration to ensure suitable conditions for winter sports events.
In terms of sustainability, Italy has a track record of incorporating environmental considerations into major event planning, citing previous initiatives like the 2006 Turin Olympics and the 2015 Milan Expo as precursors to the sustainability efforts for Milano-Cortina 2026.
