What's happened
A petition led by skier Schirmer urges IOC and FIS to evaluate fossil fuel marketing amid climate concerns impacting winter sports. The IOC acknowledged climate change as a challenge but did not commit to reviewing fossil fuel advertising. The story highlights ongoing debates about sustainability and sports' role in climate activism.
What's behind the headline?
The petition underscores a growing awareness within the winter sports community about climate change's tangible effects. The IOC's response reveals a cautious stance, acknowledging the issue but avoiding concrete commitments. This reflects broader tensions between economic interests—such as sponsorship from fossil fuel companies like Eni—and environmental responsibility. The story exposes how sports organizations are increasingly pressured to align with sustainability goals, yet often hesitate to take decisive action. The petition's momentum suggests a shift in athlete activism, which could influence future policies. If the IOC and FIS do not respond substantively, they risk alienating environmentally conscious fans and athletes, potentially impacting the sport's reputation and future viability. The story foreshadows a possible push for more rigorous climate policies within international sports governance, with the next seasons likely to be pivotal in shaping this debate.
What the papers say
AP News reports that the petition, launched by Schirmer, has gained significant support, with over 20,000 signatures, and highlights the urgency of climate change impacts on winter sports. The Independent details Schirmer's meeting with IOC sustainability officials, noting the organization's vague response and the absence of a firm commitment to review fossil fuel marketing. Both sources emphasize the broader context of climate change threatening the future of winter sports, with the IOC acknowledging the challenge but stopping short of action. Contrasting opinions include environmental advocates urging immediate reforms, while IOC officials cite existing commitments to renewable energy, though critics argue these are insufficient. The coverage illustrates a tension between environmental activism and institutional inertia, with some seeing the petition as a catalyst for change and others viewing it as a symbolic gesture.
How we got here
Schirmer, a European freeride skier and filmmaker, launched a petition in January calling for the IOC and FIS to assess fossil fuel marketing before the next winter season. The petition, which quickly surpassed 20,000 signatures, emphasizes the impact of climate change on winter sports, with shorter, milder winters and less snow threatening future events. The IOC recognizes climate change as a major challenge but has not committed to reviewing fossil fuel advertising, despite support from environmental groups and athletes.
Go deeper
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The International Olympic Committee is a non-governmental sports organisation based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Founded by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas in 1894, it is the authority responsible for organising the modern Summer and Winter Olympic
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Eni S.p.A. is an Italian multinational oil and gas company headquartered in Rome. Considered one of the seven "Supermajor" oil companies in the world, it has operations in 66 countries with a market capitalization of US$55.61 billion, as of 31 December 20