The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to have a devastating impact on the region's snow, with a recent report estimating that carbon emissions from the event could lead to the loss of 5.5 square kilometers of snowpack and 34 million metric tons of glacial ice. In contrast, if Eni, Stellantis, and ITA Airways had not been involved as main sponsors, these numbers would be significantly lower.
According to a report by the New Weather Institute, in collaboration with Scientists for Global Responsibility and Champions for Earth, the emissions caused by the three sponsors could potentially increase the event's carbon footprint. The report estimates that Eni is responsible for over half of the total emissions brought about by the top three sponsors, followed by Stellantis and ITA Airways.
The additional business these companies stood to gain from their involvement in the Games could cause an extra 1.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, which is 40 percent more than the Olympics' direct footprint. This means that the Winter Olympics are contributing to a decline in the viability of the very sports they celebrate.
The report claims that eliminating carbon-intensive sponsorships and replacing them with low-carbon partners would save about 1.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent without impacting funding. However, many experts argue that this is not enough, and that big climate polluters like Eni, Stellantis, and ITA Airways should be removed from the sponsorship.
The report also highlights the vulnerability of winter sports to global warming, with Italy losing 265 ski resorts in the past five years, France seeing over 180 resorts in the Alps close, and Switzerland having 50-plus ski lifts and cable cars shut down. The Games are increasingly dependent on artificially made snow, and only 52 locations out of 93 will be "climate-reliable" by the 2050s if global emissions continue at their current rates.
The International Olympic Committee has committed to cutting the Games' direct and indirect emissions by 30 percent by 2024 and 50 percent by 2030. However, experts argue that this is not enough, and that the committee should do more to address the environmental impact of the Olympics.
In summary, the 2026 Winter Olympics are set to have a significant environmental impact on the region's snow, with carbon emissions from the event contributing to the loss of snowpack and glacial ice. The report highlights the need for low-carbon sponsorships and greater transparency from companies like Eni, Stellantis, and ITA Airways.
According to a report by the New Weather Institute, in collaboration with Scientists for Global Responsibility and Champions for Earth, the emissions caused by the three sponsors could potentially increase the event's carbon footprint. The report estimates that Eni is responsible for over half of the total emissions brought about by the top three sponsors, followed by Stellantis and ITA Airways.
The additional business these companies stood to gain from their involvement in the Games could cause an extra 1.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, which is 40 percent more than the Olympics' direct footprint. This means that the Winter Olympics are contributing to a decline in the viability of the very sports they celebrate.
The report claims that eliminating carbon-intensive sponsorships and replacing them with low-carbon partners would save about 1.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent without impacting funding. However, many experts argue that this is not enough, and that big climate polluters like Eni, Stellantis, and ITA Airways should be removed from the sponsorship.
The report also highlights the vulnerability of winter sports to global warming, with Italy losing 265 ski resorts in the past five years, France seeing over 180 resorts in the Alps close, and Switzerland having 50-plus ski lifts and cable cars shut down. The Games are increasingly dependent on artificially made snow, and only 52 locations out of 93 will be "climate-reliable" by the 2050s if global emissions continue at their current rates.
The International Olympic Committee has committed to cutting the Games' direct and indirect emissions by 30 percent by 2024 and 50 percent by 2030. However, experts argue that this is not enough, and that the committee should do more to address the environmental impact of the Olympics.
In summary, the 2026 Winter Olympics are set to have a significant environmental impact on the region's snow, with carbon emissions from the event contributing to the loss of snowpack and glacial ice. The report highlights the need for low-carbon sponsorships and greater transparency from companies like Eni, Stellantis, and ITA Airways.
. I mean, 5.5 square kilometers of snowpack just lost because of some big sponsors? That's crazy! 
And it's not just that - we're talking about 34 million metric tons of glacial ice here, which is like, a huge deal for climate change 
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. And now we're facing climate-reliable resorts that are basically just artificially made snow... it's just not sustainable, you know? 
. We need to think bigger and make some real changes here. Can't we find ways for companies to sponsor the Olympics without sacrificing our planet? 
. I mean, Eni is racking up like half of the emissions alone... something needs to be done about that! 
This news is quite alarming, I think the 2026 Winter Olympics are being hosted with a heavy environmental price to pay 
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. Although saving around 1.4 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent might not seem like much, every bit counts and this could be a starting point for more substantial change 
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. With many ski resorts already closing or being shut down due to climate change, it's worrying that the Olympics will increasingly rely on artificially made snow 
. I mean, if you want to reduce carbon emissions, maybe start by cutting back on the profits? It's easy to pretend like you care about the environment when your bottom line is on the line 
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. I'm not saying the IOC isn't trying, but it's like they're just scratching the surface. What about the actual impact of these companies on the environment? Do we really want to just let them slide because they've got a fancy logo and a PR team 
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. Let's not pretend like these sponsors are heroes just because they're not as bad as some other companies out there 
. We need real change, not just a fancy slogan 
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. and to think that some of these emissions could've been avoided if just one or two companies didn't get involved as main sponsors? it's like they're prioritizing profits over planet-saving 
... 30% reduction by 2024 and 50% by 2030 isn't exactly setting the bar high, considering the amount of damage that can be done in just a few years 
. what do you guys think? should companies like Eni and Stellantis really be expected to cut their emissions on their own? 
We need to see some major changes in how they approach sustainability 
I mean, eliminating carbon-intensive sponsorships and replacing them with low-carbon partners would be a great start 
We need to think about the long-term effects of our actions, not just the short-term gains 
Maybe then we can look forward to a greener future for winter sports 
. I mean, think about it - we're talking about the loss of over 5.5 square kilometers of snowpack and 34 million metric tons of glacial ice because of carbon emissions from sponsor companies like Eni and Stellantis 
. And let's be real, if these guys weren't on board as main sponsors, the numbers would be way lower 
. The report says that eliminating carbon-intensive sponsorships and replacing them with low-carbon partners could save about 1.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent... but I guess it's not enough for some people 
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. But it's just not enough considering what we're talking about here 
. And what's worse is that the IOC is barely even meeting their own emissions targets - 50% by 2030? That's still way too much for my liking 
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This is a major concern for me. I mean, we're already losing so much snow and ice in the world right now, it's crazy to think about how much more it could be impacted by these Olympics. 
I'm so worried about the Winter Olympics' impact on our environment. Like, think about all us students who love snowboarding and skiing... what if there's not enough snow for us to enjoy? 
I'm all for saving money, but this is our planet we're talking about! 
We need to do more to reduce emissions and make the Olympics a sustainable event. Maybe schools can even start learning about sustainable sponsorship options now... 
And it's not just that, the carbon emissions from Eni, Stellantis, and ITA Airways are GIGANTIC 
. I mean, I get that business is business, but come on... shouldn't we be prioritizing the planet? 
- those places are literally dying because of climate change 
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The fact that 5.5 sq km of snowpack could be lost is crazy! But at least we're talking about it now, right? 
And let's not forget the good news - if those sponsors weren't involved, the numbers would be way better. So, there's still hope for a more sustainable future! 
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