Johan Eliasch, President of the International Ski Federation (FIS), has voiced concerns about climate preparedness as Los Angeles gears up to host the 2028 Olympic Games. In an interview for Sky News reported by Javier Carro on Inside the Games, Eliasch discussed the urgent need for host cities to enhance their readiness for climate-driven emergencies, a topic made more pressing by the recent wildfires in California.

Eliasch, a businessman, environmentalist, and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, emphasized that climate readiness is critical for ensuring the safety and success of future Olympics. Referencing the wildfires that have caused significant damage in Los Angeles, Eliasch noted, "The lesson from this is that we need to make sure that [Olympics] organizers have the capacity and capabilities to deal with extreme weather events, because it's not going to be less of it; it's going to be more."

A Call for Preparedness

As highlighted in Carro's report, Eliasch pointed to budget cuts in Los Angeles, including a $17 million reduction for the Fire Department, as a factor impacting the city’s ability to respond to emergencies. While the fires have not affected key Olympic infrastructure, rebuilding efforts for homes and other facilities add to the challenges of hosting the Games alongside the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 Super Bowl.

Eliasch’s comments underscore the importance of a unified approach to climate resilience, stating, "We’re all in this together, and climate readiness for climate security issues is paramount." With three and a half years remaining until the Games, he urged communities to advocate for stronger government action to address extreme weather preparedness.

Broader Context: Climate Policy and Leadership

Eliasch’s call for climate readiness comes at a time when the United States’ approach to environmental issues is under scrutiny. President Donald Trump, who is set to be in office during the 2028 Games, has previously withdrawn the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, signaling a retreat from global climate commitments. Trump has also expressed skepticism about climate change, often questioning its validity and impact.

This policy backdrop contrasts sharply with Eliasch’s vision of proactive climate readiness. California, a state frequently impacted by wildfires and droughts, faces unique challenges in balancing federal policies with local efforts to combat climate change. As Eliasch pointed out, "It is for communities to push governments for this, because as we have seen with more flooding, with extreme snowfall, these are things that we need to be prepared for."

Broader Olympic Issues

Beyond climate concerns, Eliasch’s vision for the Olympic movement includes addressing other pressing topics, such as the participation of transgender athletes in competitive sports. He stressed the need for science-based rules to ensure fair competition while respecting individual rights. Eliasch also expressed support for expanding the reach of the Olympics to new regions, including Africa and the Middle East, with careful planning to mitigate climate and logistical challenges.

As Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympics, Eliasch’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the need for proactive measures to navigate the intersection of climate change and global sporting events. His insights highlight the evolving responsibilities of Olympic hosts and the broader challenges facing the future of international sports.

(Source: Javier Carro, Inside the Games)