Global warming: Alarming threat for future Olympics

London (CNN): The Paris Olympics, which began under cloudy skies, soon faced blistering heat and is set to close with temperatures expected to soar to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). This unpredictable weather highlights the growing threat of extreme heat for athletes, exacerbated by rising global temperatures due to fossil fuel pollution.

As the climate warms, the viability of hosting the Summer Olympics in many cities is under threat. According to a CNN analysis of CarbonPlan data, most of the world’s major cities will exceed safe heat thresholds by 2050, making it increasingly dangerous for athletes and spectators alike.

In particular, the eastern U.S., parts of China, and Southeast Asia will be severely impacted. As the likelihood of extreme heat grows, discussions are intensifying around rescheduling the Games to cooler months or holding events in more temperate regions. This approach has been used before, with Sydney hosting the 2000 Games in its spring, and Brisbane set to host the 2032 Games during its winter.

The upcoming 2036 Summer Olympics are already facing scrutiny, with half of the cities bidding to host, including Ahmedabad, Doha, and Istanbul, likely to face unsafe temperatures during the event. Only Santiago, Chile, remains within safe limits throughout the year. Experts suggest that altering the timing of the Games or choosing cooler locations might be necessary to avoid dangerous conditions.

The risks of extreme heat are already apparent. The Tokyo 2020 Games, delayed to 2021 due to the pandemic, were the hottest on record, with many athletes suffering from heat-related illnesses. Japan’s preparation, including moving events to cooler areas and implementing on-site treatment protocols, prevented more severe outcomes. However, the rising frequency of such heatwaves calls for significant changes in how global sporting events are scheduled and managed.

Experts are urging sports communities to consider rule changes, such as allowing more substitutions in football, to protect athletes. The future of the Olympics may depend on how well these challenges are addressed in the face of an increasingly hot world.