Why are Athletes going carbon neutral?

Winter sports such as skiing are extremely vulnerable to the effects of global warming. A recent United Nations report warned that downhill skiing could disappear completely at some resorts as early as 2030. Similarly, studies show that some mountain ranges in Europe and the Western United States have experienced decreases of 50 to 75 per cent in snowfall amounts in recent decades.

Summer sports will also be affected by global warming as warmer temperatures mean more smog and poor air quality.

Athletes like Grandi and Renner have witnessed these impacts first-hand, and they’re worried. Too little snow throughout the Alps last winter forced the cancellation of several World Cup ski races.

Says Grandi, "The sports we love are threatened by global warming. And what's happening in the mountains is just an early warning of more climate impacts to come if we fail to take action. If we continue business as usual, scientists say we're going to live in a world quite different from the one we are used to."

"I worry because winter sports might be the first to go," says Olympic cross-country medal-winner Renner. "Winter sports are a big part of our country and our culture. Together with the David Suzuki Foundation we are challenging other winter athletes and all Canadians to take responsibility for their climate impact by going carbon neutral."

"I hope Sara and Thomas's example will encourage other athletes and Canadians to take action on climate change by reducing and offsetting their emissions," says Dr. Suzuki. "The dramatic changes that Sara and Thomas have observed in the mountains are just one example of the negative impacts we can expect from global warming."

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Who's on the team?

What does carbon neutral mean for athletes?

Additional resources & info on going carbon neutral