The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has partnered with the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO), marking the first collaboration between a world sports federation and a specialized agency. The aim of this new alliance is to address the increasingly urgent challenges that climate change poses to winter sports and mountain tourism.
Raising awareness of climate impacts
As climate change continues to alter the natural landscape, winter sports face unprecedented threats. The joint initiative of the FIS and WMO aims to draw attention to the impact of rising temperatures on snow and ice, essential elements of skiing and snowboarding. The partnership will leverage WMO’s scientific data and expertise to promote awareness and encourage practical change in the sports and tourism sectors.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, stating: “Destroyed winter holidays and canceled sports competitions are – literally – the tip of the climate change iceberg. “Retreating glaciers, reduced snow and ice cover, and melting permafrost are significantly impacting mountain ecosystems, communities, and economies.” Her comments underscore the deepening climate crisis that will continue to unfold around the world if left unchecked.
A new agreement for change
The agreement, which is expected to enter into force before the 2024/25 winter season, sets out an initial five-year period with the possibility of extension. This collaboration will enable both organizations to launch initiatives that integrate scientific data with winter sports, creating practical approaches to tackling climate challenges. One of the first activities, scheduled for November, includes a webinar on the potential impact of climate change on winter sports, presenting advances in snow management forecasting.
FIS President Johan Eliasch emphasizes that although the climate crisis is a global problem, it has direct consequences for skiing and snowboarding. “The climate crisis is much bigger than FIS or sport: it is a real crossroads for humanity. However, the truth is that climate change is, simply put, an existential threat to skiing and snowboarding,” notes Eliasch, emphasizing the need for science-based action.
Growing risk for winter sports
Climate change continues to impact snowfall levels and glacial stability, posing significant risks to the future of winter tourism. A 2023 study published in Nature Climate Change examined the vulnerability of European ski resorts. The study found that without snowmaking, more than half of Europe’s ski resorts would face critical snow shortages under 2°C global warming scenarios, and almost all would be at risk at 4°C. The study also highlights the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate these changes.
Switzerland, home to the FIS and WMO, has seen significant changes in snowfall patterns. MeteoSwiss says the number of snowfall days at altitudes below 800 meters has fallen by 50% since 1970. Zero degrees, once at 600 meters above sea level, now average around 850 meters. Without action to mitigate climate change, levels could rise by another 400-650 meters by 2060, further threatening the future of snow-dependent regions.
Broader context
The FIS has already committed to addressing climate change as part of its FIS Impact Programme, which sets out plans to reduce the sport’s carbon footprint. Meanwhile, the WMO continues to prioritize the cryosphere, or the frozen parts of the Earth, because of its key role in regulating global water and temperature cycles.
WMO’s annual State of the Climate reports offer a detailed look at the effects of global warming, including the ongoing retreat of glaciers and declining snow cover. These changes affect winter tourism, hydropower, infrastructure and transport in mountain regions.
As the climate crisis deepens, this historic collaboration between FIS and WMO offers hope for meaningful action in the fight to protect winter sports and mountain ecosystems.
This article was based on information provided by FIS.
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