PL
The Winter Olympics celebrate the beauty of winter. Snow- and ice-covered surfaces allow us to enjoy many sports that are otherwise unavailable in summer, with its high temperatures. Unfortunately, these landscapes are most vulnerable to the dramatic effects of climate change. For years, many winter sports have struggled with a lack of snow, and it has become commonplace to see snow lying only on the ski slope or ski jump, while the surrounding area lacks snow. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, irregular snowfall, and increasing water shortages are rapidly transforming ecosystems worldwide. In this context, the Winter Olympics can no longer be viewed solely as a sporting event; they are becoming an important arena for environmental responsibility and climate action.
Transforming the Winter Olympics into a tool to combat drought and climate change is therefore not only logical but also imperative. Such events focus global attention, mobilize investment, and accelerate technological innovation. When sustainability becomes a fundamental design principle, rather than a marginal obligation or a passing fad, the Games will have the potential to permanently drive environmental progress.
Climate Change and Snow in the Mountains
While it might seem that drought would never occur in water-rich mountainous areas, it has become increasingly likely in recent years. These areas are experiencing changes in hydrological cycles, reduced snow cover, and shifting precipitation patterns.
Winter sports depend heavily on stable weather conditions. However, these have been changing for years due to climate change. Many regions where competitions take place currently rely on artificial snowmaking, a process that can be energy-intensive and water-dependent. Therefore, organizers are keen to improve this process not only for financial reasons but also for environmental ones.
Connecting Sustainability and the Olympic Games
Modern Olympic Games plans increasingly incorporate sustainability into infrastructure and logistics. The approach adopted by the organizers of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is noteworthy, as they emphasize environmental protection, resource efficiency, and long-term ecological sustainability.
Instead of treating sustainability as a standalone issue, contemporary strategies integrate it across multiple dimensions:
- planning low-impact facilities through the use of existing or temporary structures
- reducing carbon dioxide emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy sources
- a circular economy in materials and waste management
- protecting ecosystems in alpine environments
Among these priorities, water management stands out, as it is environmentally critical and technically complex.
Introducing a Water Footprint Assessment
One of the most innovative solutions in Olympic sustainability planning is the use of water footprint analysis. This methodology estimates the total amount of freshwater consumed directly and indirectly by the event, taking into account:
- venue operations
- snow production
- accommodation and hospitality services
- supply chains and water consumption
- infrastructure development
By quantifying water consumption throughout the Games’ lifecycle, organizers can understand their impact on the local environment. This will lead to the implementation of data-driven solutions and calculations.
The implementation of the water footprint assessment signals a significant revolution in how major events begin to consider environmental responsibility. Instead of focusing solely on visible consumption, it considers hidden water dependencies, which are often the most crucial piece of the puzzle.
Why is Water Monitoring Important for Winter Events?
Water consumption during the Winter Olympics isn’t limited to obvious activities like snowmaking. It permeates almost every operational layer:
- snow production
- ice maintenance
- sanitation and hospitality services
- food and beverage supply chains
- construction materials
Without rigorous monitoring, this demand can accumulate, placing significant pressure on local water systems. A structured measurement framework allows planners to identify inefficiencies, optimize technological solutions, prevent water stress, and improve transparency and reporting. In regions where hydrological fluctuations are common, such precision becomes essential.
From Measurement to Mitigation
Water footprint analysis is extremely valuable in developing drought mitigation strategies. By understanding consumption patterns, planners can implement targeted interventions such as:
- advanced, higher-efficiency snowmaking systems
- closed-loop water recycling technologies
- smart monitoring and leak detection systems
- sustainable sourcing strategies for materials and services
- compensation initiatives or local watershed restoration
These actions transform contractual environmental obligations into practical assistance.
The Strategic Role of the Winter Olympics
Global sporting events have a unique ability to influence public debate and institutional behavior. Through the visible implementation of rigorous environmental methodologies, such as water footprint assessment, the Winter Olympics can:
- normalize the integration of high sustainability indicators into event planning
- accelerate innovation in water-saving technologies
- encourage host cities to adopt long-term resource management strategies
- raise global awareness of climate and water challenges
Actions undertaken on the Olympic grounds thus become a symbolic signal for long-term action on a larger scale.
Towards a New Olympic Legacy
Historically, Olympic legacy was measured by stadiums, transportation systems, and tourism flows. Today, environmental legacy is becoming an equally important criterion. Future-proof Games are those that leave behind:
- improved environmental security monitoring frameworks
- cleaner energy systems
- more efficient water management practices
- stronger climate change adaptation models
Transforming the Winter Olympics into allies in the fight against climate change and drought is a natural step in their global mission.
The future of winter sports is inextricably linked to the future of the planet’s climate system. Integrating sustainability – especially advanced tools like water footprint assessment – into Olympic planning is no longer optional. It is a necessary adaptation to ecological realities.
When the Winter Olympics incorporate environmental knowledge, they transform from a celebration of nature into a commitment to its protection.
