Olympians Urge IOC Candidates to Prioritize Climate Action

Over 400 Olympians from nearly 90 countries have urged IOC presidential candidates to prioritize climate action. Key concerns include the impact of climate change on Olympic events and athlete safety. An early meeting with the new president is sought to address these issues and promote sustainable practices.

Over 400 Olympians representing nearly 90 nations have collectively urged candidates for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to prioritize climate action. Notable signatories include Australia’s most decorated Olympian, swimmer Emma McKeon, and Cyrille Tchatchet II, a weightlifter who competed for the refugee team at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.

The Olympians’ open letter emphasizes the urgent need for the incoming president to focus on environmental stewardship, highlighting the threat posed by rising temperatures and severe weather to competition schedules and athlete safety. Concerns about the viability of future Summer and Winter Games are raised, as extreme heat and diminishing snow have become pressing issues.

As the IOC prepares for the presidential election on March 20 in Costa Navarino, Greece, seven candidates are vying for the position. The Olympians have requested an early meeting with the elected president to address these environmental concerns and have called for enhancing carbon emission reduction commitments. They further advocate for sustainable practices in host cities and more stringent sponsorship standards with environmentally harmful companies.

British sailor Hannah Mills, a lead promoter of the letter, remarked that the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, site of the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, starkly illustrate the immediate dangers of climate change. Mills stated that a unified voice among so many athletes underscored the importance of acting now for future generations.

The IOC’s current climate strategy includes a commitment to a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and compensation for residual emissions. Among the frontrunners to succeed Thomas Bach as president are World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe, Kirsty Coventry, the sports minister of Zimbabwe, and IOC vice president Juan Antonio Samaranch. Coe noted his openness to dialogues with Olympians to explore collaborative ideas and initiatives regarding climate change.

The collective plea from over 400 Olympians emphasizes the urgent need for climate action within the IOC as it transitions to new leadership. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, the incoming president can address the growing impacts of climate change on global events. The engagement of athletes in this movement highlights the importance of collaboration to ensure a viable future for the Olympics and the health of our planet.

Original Source: kfgo.com