Listen to the article
Norwegian Skier Delivers Anti-Fossil Fuel Petition to Olympic Committee
Norwegian skier Nikolai Schirmer presented the International Olympic Committee with a petition signed by more than 21,000 people on Wednesday, calling for an end to fossil fuel company sponsorships of winter sports.
The “Ski Fossil Free” petition was handed to the IOC’s head of sustainability, Julie Duffus, at a hotel in Milan, just two days before the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The petition specifically requests that the IOC and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) evaluate the appropriateness of fossil fuel marketing before the next winter sports season begins.
Schirmer, a filmmaker and two-time European Skier of the Year who specializes in freeride skiing, told The Associated Press that the IOC had barred media from witnessing their meeting.
“It seems like the Olympics aren’t ready to be the positive force for change that they have the potential to be,” Schirmer said after the meeting. “So I just hope this can be a little nudge in the right direction, but we will see.”
Although freeride skiing is not currently an Olympic event, Schirmer felt compelled to raise awareness about fossil fuel marketing in winter sports. His motivation stems from witnessing firsthand the effects of climate change on his profession.
“The show goes on while the things you depend on to do your job — winter — is disappearing in front of your very eyes,” he explained. “Not dealing with the climate crisis and not having skiing be a force for change just felt insane. We’re on the front lines.”
Burning fossil fuels is the primary contributor to climate change, which is causing shorter, milder winters with less snowfall globally. This poses significant challenges for winter sports that depend on cold, snowy conditions. Research indicates that the number of locations capable of reliably hosting Winter Olympics will drastically decrease in coming years.
Schirmer launched his petition in January, surpassing his initial goal of 20,000 signatures within a month. The effort continues to gain support and follows a similar campaign from almost 40 years ago that led to a ban on tobacco advertising at the Games. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged countries worldwide to ban advertising from fossil fuel companies.
According to Schirmer, during the meeting, the IOC’s sustainability head highlighted the organization’s commitments to renewable energy, which he felt was insufficient. In response to the petition, the IOC released a statement acknowledging climate change as “one of the most significant challenges facing sport and society” but did not address whether it would review fossil fuel marketing as requested.
The statement emphasized that Olympic partners play an important role in supporting the Games, including those investing in clean energy. Meanwhile, FIS spokesperson Bruno Sassi welcomed mobilization campaigns like Schirmer’s, noting that no fossil fuel companies are currently partners of the FIS World Cup and FIS World Championships.
Environmental group “Protect Our Winters” supported the petition drive. The organization’s CEO, Erin Sprague, told the AP that this represents the first coordinated campaign against fossil fuel advertising centered around an Olympic Games.
American cross-country skier and Team USA member Gus Schumacher, who signed the petition, said it “starts the conversation” about the relationship between winter sports and fossil fuel companies.
“It’s short-sighted for teams and events to take money from these companies in exchange for helping them hold status as good, long-term energy producers,” Schumacher said.
Fellow American cross-country skier Jack Berry, who is seeking a spot on Team USA for the Paralympics in March, expressed hope that the petition would be an influential step toward a systemic shift away from the fossil fuel industry.
The issue is particularly relevant for the current Games, as Italian oil giant Eni, one of the world’s seven supermajor oil companies, is serving as a “premium partner” of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Other oil and gas companies also sponsor various Olympic teams.
Eni defended its role in the Games, stating it is “strongly committed to the energy transition” with plans to grow lower-carbon businesses, reduce emissions, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
“Through the partnership with the biggest event hosted by Italy in the next 20 years, Eni wants to confirm its commitment to the future of the country and to a progressively more sustainable energy system through a fair transition path,” said company spokesperson Roberto Albini.
A January report titled “Olympics Torched” found that promoting polluting companies at the Olympics could increase greenhouse gas emissions that warm the planet and melt snow cover and glacier ice. Albini disputed the emissions calculations for Eni contained in the report.
Stuart Parkinson, executive director at Scientists for Global Responsibility, which collaborated on the report, suggested alternative approaches to Olympic sponsorship.
“They have lots of sponsors that aren’t in these sectors,” Parkinson said. “You can get the sponsorship money you’re after by focusing on those areas, much lower carbon areas. That reduces the carbon footprint.”
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
9 Comments
It’s commendable that the Norwegian skier is using his platform to raise awareness about reducing fossil fuel dependence. The Olympics are a global stage, so this petition could inspire other athletes and organizations to take similar actions.
Absolutely. Even if the IOC can’t implement the request in time for this Olympics, the petition could help build momentum for more sustainable sponsorships and initiatives in the future.
This petition raises important questions about the role of major sporting events in addressing environmental issues. While the goal of fossil fuel-free winter sports is laudable, the IOC will need to balance various stakeholder interests and find a practical path forward. Gradual, transparent changes may be more feasible than immediate, sweeping action.
I’m curious to see how the IOC responds to this petition. While the goal of eliminating fossil fuel sponsorships is admirable, the logistics and financial implications are likely complex. A measured, transparent approach may be needed to balance various interests.
This petition highlights the growing pressure on major sporting events to address environmental concerns. As the winter Olympics rely heavily on snow and ice, the impact of climate change is particularly relevant. I hope the IOC takes this feedback seriously and explores ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the games.
The Olympics are a platform to promote human achievement and inspire people worldwide. Aligning the games with sustainable practices could be a powerful statement. However, the IOC will need to navigate existing sponsorship agreements and logistical challenges to make meaningful changes in time for the upcoming event.
This is an interesting petition. While I understand the desire to reduce fossil fuel use, I wonder if the IOC can realistically implement this request before the upcoming Olympics. The logistics and existing sponsorships may make it challenging to do so in such a short timeframe.
That’s a good point. The IOC likely has contractual obligations with sponsors that will be difficult to unwind quickly. Gradual changes may be more feasible than a sudden shift.
Fossil fuels have long been a contentious issue, and it’s interesting to see the debate spill over into the Olympic realm. While the skier’s intentions are admirable, the IOC will need to carefully weigh the practical and financial realities of implementing such a request on short notice.