Climate Champions

Hey there! Today, we’re investigating the growing phenomenon of Olympic athletes who have switched focus to sustainability.

Olympians aren't just remarkable athletes—they're also leading the charge to save our planet. These individuals, known as Climate Champions, have embraced their roles as ambassadors for their sports and the environment. After years of dedication and adopting the legendary Olympic mindset, they've become dedicated and inspiring voices in sustainability matters, inspiring us to adopt sustainable practices within sports and beyond, urging us to think big, work together, and achieve greatness for our planet.

Let's meet some of these Climate Champions.

Yusra Mardini, the Syrian swimmer who captured our hearts as part of the Refugee Olympic Team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, is making waves as a climate activist. Her journey as a refugee and her unwavering dedication to her sport ignited a fierce passion for climate action. Now, as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), she's using her platform to shine a spotlight on how climate change affects vulnerable communities.

Another superstar on the sustainability front is Emma McKeon, an Australian swimmer and Olympic medalist. She's taken up arms against the plastic pollution plaguing our oceans. Partnering with environmental organizations and leveraging her social media presence, McKeon inspires us all to join the fight for a cleaner, greener planet.

Next, meet Meb Keflezighi, the American long-distance runner and Olympic medalist. He's not just blazing trails on the track—he's actively engaged in environmental initiatives. Keflezighi's collaborations with the National Park Foundation and the Nature Conservancy demonstrate his unwavering commitment to preserving the environment. By encouraging outdoor activities and advocating for sustainable living, he's leading us all to make a difference, one stride at a time.

Now, let's take a deep dive into one particular Climate Champion who's making waves in the world of alpine skiing—Bode Miller. He's not just your average ski racer; he's a force of nature when it comes to raising awareness about climate change's impact on our beloved mountains and ski resorts.

Imagine standing at the top of a snow-covered peak, breathing in the crisp alpine air, ready to conquer the slopes. Olympic alpine ski racers find themselves returning to the same mountains year after year, having the same experience time and time again. Except, the experience has been suffering from a continuous change, one that becomes especially clear to such individuals. Here's the heartbreaking reality: ski resorts like Chamonix in France, Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, and Aspen Snowmass in the United States have suffered a serious blow in the past two decades. Rising global temperatures have caused receding snowlines, shorter seasons, and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events. Day-by-day, these snowy wonderlands are melting away. Those watching through the years see the effect of climate change starkly, and it’s no wonder many turn to sustainability as a result.

This is where Bode Miller steps in, donning his environmental cape. With his unmatched prowess on the slopes, he's become a staunch advocate for sustainable practices within the skiing industry. Miller actively supports renewable energy initiatives and tirelessly raises awareness about the impact of climate change on ski resorts. He knows that safeguarding the environment isn't just crucial for future generations—it's essential for preserving the very soul of skiing itself.

These Climate Champions, these Olympians-turned-sustainability-gurus, are revolutionizing the game. We at Co2Analysis, led by our own alpine-Olympian-turned-Climate-Champion, Ronald Duncan, who won the men’s Super-G Championship in 1991, and competed in the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics, have joined forces with the National Olympic Committee to launch the Climate Champions Action—an initiative that aims to ignite a nationwide movement of climate champions.

Imagine Olympic heroes stepping off the podium and into our workplaces, schools, and communities. These Climate Champions will bring their contagious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to sustainability, inspiring a new generation of climate champions.

Get ready for the Climate Champions Action, coming soon to a workplace near you. Embrace the Olympic mindset, dream big, collaborate, and transform our world one sustainable step at a time. With the guidance of our Olympian Climate Champions, we'll soar to new heights of environmental stewardship.