21K Athletes Urge IOC for Fossil-Free Skiing

Norwegian skier Nikolai Schirmer recently took a significant step toward promoting sustainable winter sports. He delivered a petition to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that has garnered over 21,000 signatures from athletes advocating for a fossil-fuel-free skiing environment. This event took place just days before the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Petition Details and Goals

The petition, titled “Ski Fossil Free,” was presented to Julie Duffus, the IOC’s head of sustainability. Schirmer emphasized the need for the IOC and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to assess the impact of fossil fuel marketing in winter sports before the upcoming season.

Impacts of Fossil Fuels on Winter Sports

• Fossil fuel use is the primary contributor to global climate change.
• As temperatures rise, winters are becoming shorter and milder.
• For winter sports enthusiasts, this leads to reduced snowfall and challenges in hosting events.

Schirmer, a two-time European Skier of the Year and filmmaker, expressed concern over the IOC’s response to his efforts. He noted that the IOC did not permit media presence during their meeting, stating, “The Olympics aren’t ready to be the positive force for change that they have the potential to be.” He hopes that this petition will serve as a catalyst for discussion and action.

The Broader Context of Climate Change

The urgency of addressing climate change was highlighted by Schirmer, who pointed out the paradox of participating in a sport whose very existence is threatened by environmental degradation. He referenced the historical precedent set by earlier campaigns that led to the elimination of tobacco advertising from the Games as an example of impactful change.

Future Considerations

Global leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have called for a complete ban on advertisements from fossil fuel companies. While the IOC acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change, it remains unclear if they will comply with the petition’s request for reviewing fossil fuel marketing.

Schirmer’s initiative represents an essential first step towards ensuring the future of winter sports is both sustainable and viable for generations to come. The conversation surrounding fossil fuel sponsorship in sports continues to grow as the climate crisis escalates.