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What impacts have climate change had on skiing events at the Winter Olympics?

Akeem Seilmann

Climate change has already had a significant impact on skiing events at the Winter Olympics, and its effects are only set to get worse in the coming years. As a regular skier and avid fan of the Winter Olympics, I have been closely following the shift in weather patterns and the impact of a rising global temperature on the sports I love.

The most obvious impact of climate change on skiing events is the change in snow conditions. As temperatures rise, there is less snowfall, and the snow that does fall is less likely to stick around for long periods. This has led to a shorter ski season and less time for athletes to train and prepare for competitions. It also means that events must be moved to different locations, often at great expense, or postponed or canceled altogether.

For example, during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, some of the ski events had to be rescheduled or moved due to warm and rainy weather, which led to dangerously soft and slushy snow conditions. This not only affects the athletes' performance but also their safety, as the snow can be unpredictable and unstable. Furthermore, as the ski season becomes shorter, there is less time for resort operators to make money and invest back into their facilities, which creates a cyclical effect and eventually harms the ski industry.

Climate change has also had a significant impact on the spectator experience. I remember watching the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and noticing that the snow conditions were not quite what I had expected. Even as a casual observer, it was clear to me that athletes were dealing with less than optimal conditions. More generally, it's important to note that the sports and events we love are deeply interconnected with the natural environment. As we continue to alter the climate, we fundamentally alter the conditions for the sports we love, impacting everything from the snow levels to the ecosystems to the landscape.

In conclusion, climate change has already impacted skiing events at the Winter Olympics in numerous ways. From the safety and performance of athletes, to the quality of the spectator experience, to the economic viability of the ski industry, the effects of climate change are both immediate and long-term. If we are to preserve the sports we love and the environment in which they thrive, we must take decisive action to address climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.