Rising Global Temperatures May Affect Choices for Winter Olympic Venues

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Eric NiilerJanuary 21, 2026 at 01:00 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Rising global temperatures are impacting the future of the Winter Olympics, potentially limiting suitable host locations. A recent study indicates that by 2050, only a handful of previously viable cities will be able to host the games without relying on artificial snow. The International Olympic Committee acknowledges the increasing challenges and the need for flexibility in selecting future venues. This may involve holding events at higher altitudes or spreading them across multiple locations. Athletes, particularly those in the Paralympics, face increasingly difficult and potentially unsafe conditions due to warmer temperatures affecting snow quality. The shrinking number of climate-reliable locations is altering the geography of where the Winter Olympics and Paralympics can be held.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

France 40% Japan 40% Terskol 40% Russia 40% Val d’Isère 40% Courchevel 40% Niseko 40% Karl Stoss 50% International Olympic Committee 50% Italy 60% Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics 70% Gus Schumacher ×380%

Keywords

climate change 100% winter olympics 90% global warming 80% snow conditions 70% paralympics 60% artificial snow 60% winter sports 50% higher altitudes 40%