A Unique Candidate for IOC Presidency
As the race heats up for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Johan Eliasch stands out among the seven candidates, thanks to his extensive background in sports management and commitment to climate action. The 62-year-old Swedish-British billionaire and current head of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) surprised many when he entered the race last year after becoming an IOC member—a prerequisite for candidacy. With notable opponents like World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe, Eliasch aims to leverage his business acumen to address the pressing climate challenge confronting the Olympic Games.
A Commitment to Environmental Action
Eliasch brings a wealth of experience in environmental initiatives, having dedicated over two decades to tackling deforestation. In 2005, he acquired a vast section of the Amazon rainforest and co-founded the non-profit organization Cool Earth to support local communities in resisting logging. His credentials extend to serving as a special advisor to the UK government on clean energy and deforestation and chairing a technology advisory group for the UK’s Net Zero Review in 2021. Although his impressive environmental track record positions him as a strong contender, questions remain about the depth and applicability of his climate policies within the context of the Olympics.
Practical Steps for Olympic Sustainability
Eliasch approaches climate action with the belief that there are no quick fixes. He emphasized that meaningful progress lies in a multitude of small, effective actions. One of his notable proposals involves the creation of a ‘Forest City’ initiative, where a section of rainforest equivalent in size to the Olympic host city would be preserved. Eliasch also aims to tackle emissions from the Games by optimizing local traffic flow and utilizing AI for efficient electricity grid management. Building on the successes of the Paris Games in reducing carbon emissions, he seeks to balance sustainability with athlete comfort to achieve a practical approach to environmental responsibility.
Vision for the Future of the Olympics
Eliasch envisions hosting future Olympic Summer Games in underserved regions like Africa, India, and the Middle East, all highlighted in his campaign manifesto. He believes that rising temperatures pose significant challenges, potentially compromising athlete safety and event logistics. With the Los Angeles Games approaching in 2028 amid wildfire recovery, he acknowledges the pressing need to adapt to a warming climate, raising concerns about the environmental impact of new infrastructure in developing countries. Eliasch sees this as an opportunity to rethink the future of Olympics locations, focusing on sustainability as a core consideration.
Navigating Political Neutrality in Climate Action
Eliasch calls for a more active stance on climate initiatives, differentiating between politics and necessary environmental action. While the IOC historically maintains a position of political neutrality, he argues that addressing climate change transcends political affiliations. He supports scaling up the IOC’s presence at global climate summits to leverage its influence meaningfully. While he acknowledges the criticisms that come with leadership roles, Eliasch contends that effective environmental stewardship requires resilience and a commitment to diverse viewpoints. He firmly believes that, in the end, the best ideas should prevail, not popularity.
SOURCE: Ref Image from InsideTheGames
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