The green credentials of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics are being questioned, in a rather ironic situation in which we see organizers desperately trying to create enough snow for the events, due to an unseasonably warm winter.
A report by the David Suzuki Foundation has critiqued efforts being made to offset emissions, especially those produced through air travel by spectators. It found that although the Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC) has pledged to offset 118,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, that figure amounts to less than half of Games-related emissions.
Though organizers were commended for some advances, such as energy efficient venues and pushing public transit, they fell short of gold, being awarded only a bronze for climate impact. VANOC was also judged poorly on public engagement regarding environmental issues; however, it’s believed they still have time to get across a climate change message when the games begin.
The report also scolded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for lacking commitment to fight climate change. It stated: “There is little evidence of strong [IOC] engagement” adding, “The Olympic movement still has long way to go to raise the bar on climate action, and to make the environment pillar a truly integral part of the Games.”
The following statement by the report cast a somber mood with the warning that winter sports may be heading towards extinction: “The fate of winter sports, and the potential to host Winter Olympics in the future, depend on choices we make today to address climate change.”
As organizers truck in load after load of artificial snow, that statement may have something to it.
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