Rising temperatures pose a threat to future Summer Olympics
The escalating danger of extreme heat, attributed to fossil fuel pollution, is becoming a significant concern for the future Summer Olympic Games. According to data from CarbonPlan, a nonprofit group specializing in climate science and analytics, many host cities are projected to surpass safe humid heat thresholds by 2050. The organization measures heat stress using the wet-bulb globe temperature, which factors in heat, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover.
US cities to surpass safe heat thresholds by 2050
CarbonPlan's research indicates that by 2050, nearly all cities in the eastern part of the United States will exceed the 82.1-degree limit recommended for sporting events. This includes states around the Gulf of Mexico such as Florida and eastern Texas. Under these conditions, hosting events similar to the 1996 Atlanta Games would not be feasible.
Asian cities also at risk of exceeding heat limits
Beyond the United States, much of eastern China, including Beijing and Shanghai, along with Hong Kong and large parts of Southeast Asia are also predicted to surpass the safe heat limit by 2050. This alarming trend has led to increasing calls for a change in the timing of the Summer Olympics to avoid peak heat periods. Historically, such changes have been implemented; Sydney held the 2000 Games in September and October due to high summer temperatures.
European and South American cities may become preferred hosts
As global temperatures continue to rise, cities in northwest Europe such as London, Oslo, and Stockholm may become more attractive for hosting the Summer Olympics. However, Mediterranean cities like Palermo in Sicily and Seville in Spain are mostly over the heat threshold already. High-elevation South American cities could also become appealing alternatives for future games due to their cooler climates.
Future Olympic games face heat challenges
Los Angeles will host the next Summer Olympics, with its climate moderated by the Pacific Ocean. The 2032 Games are set for Brisbane, Australia, where intense summer heat is common. To counter this, the event will be held in late July during Brisbane's winter. Looking ahead to 2036, over 10 countries have shown interest in hosting, but according to CarbonPlan's data, nearly all of these locations are expected to exceed the heat stress limit at some point during the event.
India nominates Ahmedabad as 2036 Summer Olympics host city
Of the 10 countries interested in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, only six have publicly declared their bids. India proposes Ahmedabad, Indonesia offers Nusantara, Qatar backs Doha, and Turkey supports Istanbul. Poland and Chile nominate their capitals, Warsaw and Santiago, respectively. Santiago is the only city that stays below the heat stress threshold year-round, even in summer. Ahmedabad and Doha would exceed the limit in summer but might opt to host during their cooler seasons instead.
Climate scientist suggests mitigation strategies for Olympic heat
Oriana Chegwidden, a climate scientist with CarbonPlan, noted that in many parts of the world, the Summer Olympics are usually scheduled during the hottest time of the year. She suggested that planners could mitigate heat risks by starting before or after the peak of summer or by holding events at night or in the early morning when it is cooler. This approach could help ensure athlete safety while maintaining the integrity of these global sporting events.
