A Skier’s Bold Stand Against Sponsors (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Milan, Italy – Norwegian freeride skier Nikolai Schirmer delivered a petition with more than 21,000 signatures to the International Olympic Committee’s head of sustainability, calling for winter sports to sever ties with fossil fuel companies.
A Skier’s Bold Stand Against Sponsors
Schirmer, a two-time European Skier of the Year and filmmaker, presented the “Ski Fossil Free” initiative to Julie Duffus at a Milan hotel two days before the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The IOC barred media from the private meeting, prompting Schirmer to address reporters outside. He expressed disappointment that the Olympics had not yet embraced its potential as a leader in climate action.
The petition targets both the IOC and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. It demands a report on the suitability of fossil fuel marketing in the sport before the next season. Schirmer launched the drive in January and quickly exceeded his 20,000-signature goal. Supporters continue to add their names daily.
Shrinking Snowfields Fuel the Fight
Freeride skiing relies on Europe’s rugged, snow-covered mountains, but Schirmer witnessed winters retreating firsthand during his adventures. Global warming, driven primarily by fossil fuel combustion, shortens cold seasons and reduces snow cover worldwide. Researchers predict fewer viable locations for future Winter Olympics as temperatures rise.
Schirmer compared his effort to the campaign that banned tobacco advertising from the Games nearly four decades ago. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for nations to prohibit fossil fuel ads entirely. During the meeting, Duffus highlighted the IOC’s renewable energy pledges, but Schirmer argued for stronger measures.
Athletes Rally Behind the Cause
The athlete-led group Protect Our Winters endorsed the petition, marking it as the first organized push against fossil fuel advertising tied to an Olympic event. American cross-country skier Gus Schumacher, a Team USA member, signed on to spark broader dialogue. He criticized teams and events for accepting funds from companies that undermine long-term energy credibility.
Paralympic hopeful Jack Berry also backed the initiative, viewing it as a step toward systemic change. FIS spokesperson Bruno Sassi welcomed such campaigns and noted that no fossil fuel firms sponsor its World Cup or Championships. The IOC acknowledged climate change as a major threat to sports but emphasized its partners’ roles, including clean energy investors.
Oil Giant’s Role in Milan Games
Italy’s Eni, a global oil supermajor, serves as a premium partner for the Milan Cortina Olympics. Other energy firms back national teams. Eni touted its expansion in low-carbon ventures, emission cuts, and 2050 carbon neutrality target while defending its Olympic involvement as support for Italy’s sustainable future.
- Eni invests in growing cleaner businesses.
- The company aims to lower its emissions profile.
- Partnership underscores commitment to energy transition.
A January report from the New Weather Institute, Scientists for Global Responsibility, and Champions for Earth warned that Olympic promotions boost polluters’ growth and emissions. It scrutinized the Games’ footprint and Eni sponsorship. Stuart Parkinson, executive director at Scientists for Global Responsibility, suggested shifting to lower-carbon sponsors to cut the overall impact.
Key Takeaways
- Petition surpasses 21,000 signatures in a month.
- Climate change threatens winter sports viability.
- Athletes push for sponsorship reforms like past tobacco ban.
As the Milan Cortina Games unfold, Schirmer’s action signals rising athlete activism on climate fronts. Winter sports face a pivotal moment to align values with survival. What steps should the IOC take next? Share your thoughts in the comments.
