In the second part of a series investigating the impact of climate change on winter sports, the focus shifts to Marion Thénault’s perspective after seven years of freestyle skiing. Thénault has witnessed the effects of climate change firsthand, with warming temperatures posing a significant threat to winter sports like skiing.
At World Cup events, Thénault has encountered shocking scenes of mountains covered in green grass, except for the artificial snow patches used for competition, highlighting the stark contrast brought about by climate change. Beyond the visual impact, she has experienced how melting snow can affect an aerial skier’s performance, influencing takeoff and speed.
A study commissioned by the International Olympic Committee in 2024 revealed a concerning trend: fewer locations will have suitable weather to host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games by the 2050s due to climate change, emphasizing the urgent nature of the issue. Athletes like Thénault, who rely on natural environments for their sport, are raising awareness about the current impacts of climate change and advocating for action.
Thénault has taken proactive steps to address her carbon footprint as an athlete, aiming to make her journey to the upcoming Olympics carbon neutral. Alongside other Canadian athletes, she has signed a letter urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to take swift action on climate change. The global issue of climate change is also under discussion at the ongoing UN Climate Conference, COP30.
The International Olympic Committee has committed to reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, emphasizing sustainability in future Games. One proposed solution is rotating the Winter Olympics among a limited number of permanent venues, a concept supported by former IOC presidential candidate Johan Eliasch. While sustainability remains a key focus, athletes stress the need for bold climate action to safeguard the future of winter sports and communities worldwide.