IOC Aims to Select Winter Olympics Hosts for 2030 and 2034 to Combat Climate Change
In a bid to combat the growing threat of climate change, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed its intention to choose hosts for the Winter Olympics in 2030 and 2034 by next July. This move could potentially put Salt Lake City in the running for the 2034 edition and would also prevent the United States from hosting back-to-back Olympics, following the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Sweden, Switzerland, and France have been actively considering bids for the 2030 Winter Games, while Salt Lake City has long been eyeing the opportunity to host in 2034. However, the double award proposal made by the IOC’s president, Thomas Bach, and the executive board still requires approval from the full membership, which is expected to be a mere formality during their upcoming annual meeting.
Currently, the IOC faces limited options when it comes to selecting Winter Games hosts. According to Bach, only 15 national Olympic committees across three continents meet the necessary criteria, which includes having at least 80% of existing venues for snow sports and a favorable outlook for hosting snow events in the coming decades.
The urgency to address the impact of climate change on winter sports is significant, as stated by Bach. The IOC recognizes the need to act swiftly and efficiently in order to safeguard the future of these sports and mitigate the potentially devastating consequences of climate change.
This bold move by the IOC aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and displays their commitment to sustainable practices. By choosing Winter Olympic hosts well in advance, the IOC can not only ensure the availability of suitable venues but also encourage prospective host cities to prioritize climate-friendly infrastructure and sustainable solutions.
In conclusion, the IOC’s decision to select hosts for the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympics reflects their proactive approach in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. While countries like Sweden, Switzerland, and France prepare their bids for the 2030 edition, Salt Lake City emerges as a strong contender for 2034. With this forward-thinking strategy, the IOC aims to promote sustainability, combat climate change, and secure a promising future for winter sports.
