Climate change threatens future of Winter Olympics [VIDEO]

The Winter Olympics officially begin on Friday, but climate change is already casting a shadow over the future of the Games.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) members say rising global temperatures could force future editions to move from February to January — and sharply reduce the number of potential host countries.

Natural snowfall is becoming less reliable in some regions, putting both winter sports and the broader snow industry at risk.

Karl Stoss, head of the IOC Olympic Programme Working Group, warned that if temperatures continue to rise, only 10 to 12 countries worldwide may be able to host the Winter Games by 2050.

“If the increase of the temperature is going on for the future, there will be just 10 to 12 countries in the world who are able to organize Olympic Winter Games in 2050 or beyond,” Stoss said.

The IOC is also reviewing the Olympic programme. One discipline under discussion is cyclocross, a cycling event featuring steep hills, mud and obstacles.

David Lappartient, president of the International Cycling Union, said that snow and ice must remain central to the Winter Games, but added that additional winter disciplines could be considered.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday evening at Milan’s San Siro stadium.