The second part of a series delves into the impact of climate change on winter sports, focusing on freestyle skier Marion Thénault’s experiences over the past seven years. Thénault has witnessed the effects of climate change firsthand on her sport, emphasizing the vulnerability of winter sports like skiing as the planet warms.

Thénault recalls events where entire mountains were covered in green grass, except for the artificial snow used for competitions, creating a stark contrast that left a lasting impression. She highlights how melting snow can affect an aerial skier’s performance, influencing takeoff and speed during jumps and tricks.

A study commissioned by the International Olympic Committee in 2024 revealed that fewer locations will have suitable weather to host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games by the 2050s due to climate change. This poses an immediate threat to athletes like Thénault, who rely on natural environments for their sport and are witnessing the impacts of climate change firsthand.

Thénault’s advocacy for climate action intensified after winning a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics. She is striving to make her journey to the upcoming Olympics carbon neutral, collaborating with experts to quantify her carbon footprint. Alongside 76 other Canadian athletes, she signed a letter urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to take swift action against climate change.

The International Olympic Committee has committed to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and is exploring sustainable practices for future Games. Athletes are pushing for more urgency in addressing climate change, with some proposing rotating the Winter Games between a limited number of permanent venues to mitigate the impact of climate change on winter sports.

Athletes like Adam van Koeverden are calling for bold leadership to safeguard the future of sports and communities worldwide. In Canada, van Koeverden, the Secretary of Sport, aims to address climate concerns raised by athletes directly with the government. Despite the challenges, athletes like Thénault emphasize the urgent need for climate action and advocate for prioritizing environmental concerns in both sports and politics.