The Olympics have always been a symbol of achievement, effort, and a celebration of sport at its finest. With the recent celebration of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, there is growing concern about the future of this iconic event. A study published in The Lancet has highlighted the alarming possibility that the climate change could put an end to the Olympic Games as we know them, which leads us to reflect on the viability of host cities in the not-so-distant future.
Researchers have predicted that due to the continued rise in global average temperature, only eight cities outside Western Europe could be suitable hosts of the Olympic Games next year 2085This data invites us to consider how extreme weather conditions could affect not only the athletes, but also the organization of these international events.
The impact of climate change on the Olympic Games
The research in question used temperature and humidity data to predict which cities would be able to host outdoor Olympic events during the summer. marathon was chosen as a case study, given the extreme demands of physical endurance it requires. Alarmingly, it was discovered that only one 70% of the athletes completed qualifying trials for the U.S. Olympic marathon team in Los Angeles, where historically high temperatures were recorded.
It is worth remembering that to avoid the altitude sickness, organizers seek to locate sporting events less than 1,6 kilometers above sea level, preferably in the Northern Hemisphere, where approximately 90% of the world's population. Host cities are also required to have at least 600,000 inhabitants to meet the necessary demand and logistics. However, the growing threat of climate change is forcing us to rethink how we organize these sports and large-scale productions.
The effects of climate change are not a distant concern; they have already begun to manifest themselves in a variety of sports. Events have been canceled due to extreme weather conditions, raising a critical question: what happens if suitable conditions for competition become increasingly rare?
Possible cities for the 2085 Games
According to the results of The Lancet study, the only cities that could have a suitable climate to host the Olympic Games in 2085 are located in areas with more stable climatic conditions. Researchers have determined that, to be viable, cities should have no more than a 10% chance of having to cancel a marathon due to temperatures above XNUMX°C. 26 degrees CelsiusThis entails the need to carefully select host cities and ensure favorable weather conditions.
The cities that have been considered for these Games are few. In North America, only San Francisco, Calgary y Vancouver could meet the established criteria. In Europe, it has been mentioned Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin y Belfast as potential candidates. Most of the cities that have been candidates in the past, such as Madrid, Rome, and Paris, are unlikely to be able to host the Games due to changing climatic conditions. This scenario raises inherent questions not only about the viability of the Games, but also about the sustainability of its implementation in a context of climate change.
Measures that can be taken
Climate change projections estimate that without significant changes in global greenhouse gas emission policies, the outlook for the Olympic Games will be bleak. The key is reduce emissions and work on adapting infrastructure and programs to ensure that athletes can compete under appropriate conditions.
There are some strategies that could mitigate the effects of climate change on the Olympic Games:
- Implementation of sustainable infrastructuresBuilding sports facilities that use renewable energy and are more efficient in their use of water and energy could help reduce the carbon footprint of events.
- Use of air conditioning technologiesIn some cities, the implementation of cooling technologies and covered spaces could result in safer conditions for athletes.
- Awareness and educationPromoting climate change education among athletes, organizers, and spectators can contribute to a cultural shift toward more sustainable practices.
- Adaptation of schedules and dates: Modifying event times and dates to avoid the hottest times of the day can help athletes compete in safer conditions.
The voice of the experts
Concern about climate change extends beyond the sports arena. Kirk Smith, professor of environmental health at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasizes that if elite athletes require protection from these conditions, what does this mean for the rest of the population who engage in outdoor physical activity?
The difficulties in organizing the Olympic Games are a representation of the biggest global problem: climate changeThe international community must reflect on how each of us can contribute to mitigating the effects of change and preparing for a future where sporting events, as well as other daily activities, could be compromised by extreme weather.
Implications for the future of outdoor sports
Endurance sports, such as the marathon, are the most likely to suffer the consequences of climate change. With rising temperatures and erratic weather, marathon events have already experienced cancellations and withdrawals of competitors from key events, as demonstrated in Los Angeles during the U.S. Olympic Team Qualifying Trials.
The concern extends to all levels of competition, from the Olympics to local competitions. It is critical that sports organizations at all levels begin to think about long term solutions that protect both athletes and the public.
The international community must work together to address the climate crisis. As The Lancet study points out, climate change and its impacts on the Olympic Games are not mere speculation; they are a tangible reality that will require an immediate and effective response from all stakeholders.
Adapting to a future where the Olympics and other events depend on weather conditions requires a collective commitment. It is essential that future generations of athletes have the opportunity to compete in a safe and fair environment, without the restrictions imposed by climate change.
