As the 2026 Winter Games kick off, the world is not only celebrating the incredible athletic achievements of the participating athletes, but also their commitment to taking climate action. With the threat of climate change looming over our planet, it is more important than ever for individuals and organizations to step up and make a difference. And that is exactly what these Olympic athletes are doing.
From using sustainable materials in their equipment to advocating for environmental policies, these athletes are using their platform to raise awareness and inspire change. Let’s take a look at some of the ways they are making a positive impact on the environment.
One of the most notable examples is the Norwegian cross-country skiing team, who have been dubbed the “Green Team” for their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. They have partnered with the Norwegian environmental organization, Zero, to measure and offset their travel emissions. This means that for every flight they take, they invest in renewable energy projects to offset the carbon emissions. Not only that, but they also use eco-friendly wax for their skis and have even switched to electric cars for transportation during the Games.
But it’s not just the Norwegian team that is taking action. Many other athletes have also made changes to their equipment to make it more sustainable. For instance, the Swiss snowboarder, Gian Simmen, has designed a snowboard made from 100% recycled materials. This not only reduces the use of new resources but also prevents old snowboards from ending up in landfills.
In addition to their personal efforts, many athletes are also using their voices to advocate for environmental policies. American snowboarder, Jamie Anderson, has been a vocal supporter of renewable energy and has even partnered with Protect Our Winters, an organization that mobilizes the winter sports community to take action against climate change. She believes that as athletes, they have a responsibility to use their platform for good and inspire others to do the same.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also taken steps to make the Winter Games more sustainable. The 2026 Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will be the first to be organized according to the IOC’s sustainability strategy, Olympic Agenda 2020. This includes using renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable transportation, and reducing waste. The goal is to make the Games carbon neutral, meaning that the emissions generated from the event will be offset by investing in renewable energy projects.
But it’s not just about the Winter Games. The IOC has also launched the Olympic Forest, a project that aims to plant 355,000 trees in the Amazon rainforest by 2026. This not only helps to combat deforestation but also contributes to the fight against climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The athletes’ efforts to take climate action have not gone unnoticed. In fact, the IOC has recognized the importance of their role in promoting sustainability and has created the IOC Sustainability and Legacy Commission, which includes athletes as members. This commission works to ensure that sustainability is integrated into all aspects of the Olympic Games.
The 2026 Winter Games are not just about competition and winning medals. They are also about coming together as a global community to address the pressing issue of climate change. The actions of these Olympic athletes serve as a reminder that we all have a part to play in protecting our planet.
But their efforts shouldn’t stop with the Games. As role models and influencers, these athletes have the power to inspire others to make a difference in their own communities. Whether it’s through small changes in our daily lives or advocating for larger environmental policies, we can all follow in the footsteps of these athletes and take action to protect our planet.
As we watch these incredible athletes compete in the Winter Games, let’s also celebrate their commitment to taking climate action. They are not just champions on the slopes, but also champions for the environment. And with their determination and dedication, we can all be motivated to do our part in creating a more sustainable future.
