Norwegian Skier Confronts IOC with Petition to End Fossil Fuel Sponsorship
In a significant environmental protest just days before the opening ceremony, Norwegian freeride skier and filmmaker Nikolai Schirmer has personally delivered a substantial petition to the International Olympic Committee demanding an end to fossil fuel company sponsorship in winter sports.
Petition Delivery and IOC Response
Schirmer presented the "Ski Fossil Free" petition, bearing more than 21,000 signatures from concerned citizens and professional athletes, directly to IOC head of sustainability Julie Duffus at a Milan hotel. The timing was deliberate - occurring merely two days before the commencement of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
The document specifically calls upon both the IOC and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to commission and publish a comprehensive report evaluating the appropriateness of fossil fuel marketing before the next winter sports season begins. Speaking exclusively to The Associated Press following the meeting, Schirmer revealed that the IOC had prevented media from witnessing the exchange.
"It seems like the Olympics aren't ready to be the positive force for change that they have the potential to be," Schirmer commented afterward. "So I just hope this can be a little nudge in the right direction, but we will see."
Climate Crisis Motivates Action
The petition drive, launched by Schirmer in January, rapidly surpassed its initial target of 20,000 signatures within a single month, with support continuing to grow. For Schirmer, the campaign represents a crucial first step toward addressing what he sees as a profound contradiction.
"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."
Schirmer draws historical parallels to the successful campaign nearly four decades ago that ultimately led to the prohibition of tobacco advertising at the Olympic Games. He believes similar momentum could build against fossil fuel sponsorship.
Scientific Context and Winter Sports Future
The urgency behind the petition is underscored by stark scientific realities. The burning of fossil fuels - including coal, oil, and gas - remains the primary driver of global climate change. As planetary warming accelerates at unprecedented rates, winters are becoming noticeably shorter and milder, with diminishing snow cover worldwide.
This environmental shift presents existential challenges for winter sports that fundamentally depend on cold, snowy conditions. Climate researchers warn that the number of locations capable of reliably hosting future Winter Olympic Games will decrease substantially in coming decades.
Organizational Responses and Current Sponsorship
The IOC responded to Associated Press inquiries with a statement acknowledging climate change as "one of the most significant challenges facing sport and society," though it stopped short of committing to review fossil fuel marketing as demanded by the petition. The statement highlighted that Olympic partners "play an important role in supporting the Games" and include companies investing in clean energy.
Meanwhile, FIS spokesperson Bruno Sassi welcomed mobilization campaigns like Schirmer's, noting that no fossil fuel companies currently serve as partners for FIS World Cup or World Championship events.
Despite these positions, the current Winter Games feature Italy's Eni - one of the world's seven supermajor oil companies - as a "premium partner." Eni defended its involvement, stating through spokesperson Roberto Albini that the partnership confirms "its commitment to the future of the country and to a progressively more sustainable energy system through a fair transition path." The company pointed to its growing lower carbon businesses, emission reduction efforts, and 2050 carbon neutrality target.
Athlete Support and Environmental Concerns
The petition has garnered significant backing from the athletic community. The athlete-driven environmental organization Protect Our Winters supported the signature drive, with CEO Erin Sprague describing it as "the first coordinated campaign about fossil fuel advertising centered around an Olympic Games."
American cross-country skier and Team USA member Gus Schumacher explained his decision to sign: "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."
Fellow American cross-country skier Jack Berry, who is seeking a spot on Team USA for the upcoming Paralympics, expressed hope that the petition represents "an influential step toward a systemic shift away from the industry."
Research and Counterarguments
A January report published by the New Weather Institute in collaboration with Scientists for Global Responsibility and Champions for Earth examined the environmental impact of promoting polluting companies at the Olympics. The research suggested such sponsorship would likely expand these businesses and increase greenhouse gas emissions that accelerate planetary warming, snow melt, and glacier retreat.
Stuart Parkinson, executive director at Scientists for Global Responsibility, offered an alternative approach: "They have lots of sponsors that aren't in these sectors. You can get the sponsorship money you're after by focusing on those areas, much lower carbon areas. That reduces the carbon footprint."
Eni's spokesperson disputed the emissions calculations regarding the company's Olympic involvement presented in the report, highlighting ongoing debates about measuring corporate environmental impact.
