The Olympic spirit: an inspiration for global unity in the fight against environmental collapse?

Every few years, the world comes together for the Olympic Games. Athletes from all corners of the globe compete, and for a short time, we see a glimpse of what global unity looks like. But here is a thought: if we can pause our differences for the sake of artistic swimming, why can’t we unite in the same way to tackle an issue that is actually life-threatening: environmental degradation? 

Environmental collapse: a global challenge

The environmental crisis knows no borders. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, resources depletion, pollution, and biodiversity loss are affecting every nation on Earth, regardless of wealth and power. Just as athletes from different nations come together to compete under a common set of rules, what if sustainability professionals from around the globe joined forces to address this environmental collapse? We have a responsibility to unite our expertise, just as the global community must unite to address climate change. The stakes are higher than any Olympic medal – what we stand to lose is our planet itself.

The Olympic example

The Olympics show that people from different backgrounds, cultures, and even conflicting nations can come together for a common purpose. The Games have promoted cooperation and friendship, with athletes often showing support for their rivals and even forming lifelong friendships. This sense of togetherness and common goals could be a model for how we deal with environmental collapse. 

Of course, the Olympics themselves are not free from criticism when it comes to the environment (who is?). Any large event like the Olympics produces vast carbon emissions through its construction, transportation needs, and energy use. Still, the Olympics often promote themselves as a beacon of sustainability and environmental stewardship. You can review their sustainability ambitions here: https://olympics.com/ioc/sustainability  

Obviously, sports have good reasons for caring about sustainability: climate change can put athletes’ and fans’ health at risk, and even put the future of some sports in doubt.  

So, greenwashing or reality? Well, my intention was not to tackle this in this paper… I strongly believe that the Olympics have a huge ability to promote sustainable actions to the public worldwide. Still, if we are going to get serious about using the “Olympic spirit” to tackle environmental degradation, here are a few thoughts: 

• Admit the problem is real: let’s stop pretending climate change is a distant threat, it’s here, and it’s affecting (among other things) sports. 
  

• Invest in resilience, not just offsets: Paris 2024 is attempting to address its carbon footprint by planting trees, encouraging public transportation, and recycling materials. Great. But we need more than that. Why not invest in urban greening projects that reduce heat islands, or retrofitting existing venues to be more energy-efficient? How about a rule that if you want to host, you must also commit to long-term sustainable practices, like investing in renewable energy or habitat conservation/restoration? 
  

• Hold organisers accountable: the IOC claims that it offsets its emissions, but let’s be clear: planting trees is not a magic wand. Trees take decades to mature and absorb CO2. In the meantime, the planet keeps heating up. How about we demand measurable, verifiable reductions in emissions from every host city? Make it a rule: fail to meet your targets, and face penalties like exclusion from future bids. 

Applying the Olympic spirit to environmental action

The Olympics demonstrate that international cooperation is possible, even among nations with a history of conflict or competition. This spirit of unity could be the key to tackling environmental collapse. Here’s how we can take inspiration from the Olympic Games to address this: 

• Shared goals and common ground:  just as the Olympics have clearly defined objectives, the global community must establish shared goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting natural resources, and promoting sustainable development. These goals, enshrined in agreements like the Paris Agreement, should be pursued with the same dedication and commitment that athletes bring to the Games. 

• Mutual respect and understanding: the Olympics encourage nations to appreciate and learn from each other's cultures and strengths. In the fight against climate change, countries must recognise that while their challenges and resources may differ, their contributions are equally important. Wealthier nations should support developing countries in their transition to sustainable practices, acknowledging that environmental justice is a key component of global climate action.

  
  

• Collaboration over competition: while the Olympics are about competition, they also emphasise collaboration — whether through team sports or international partnerships in the organisation of the Games. Similarly, environmental action requires nations to collaborate, sharing technology, expertise, and resources to develop innovative solutions to the climate crisis. The competitive spirit should drive nations to outdo each other in their commitments to sustainability, not in a race for dominance. 

  
  

• Celebration of progress: the Olympics celebrate human achievement, not just in winning but in participation and progress. In the climate arena, we should similarly celebrate milestones, big or small, recognising the efforts of nations, cities, businesses, and individuals who contribute to the fight against environmental collapse. This positive reinforcement can inspire further action and encourage a global movement towards sustainability. 

  
  

Does this sound too idealistic? If so, why not start on a “smaller scale”, for example, in the consulting world? By shifting our drive from pure profit to creating positive impact, we can leverage our influence to help clients be the best versions of themselves, today and in the future.  

Moving forward together: environmental collapse is not a sprint, it's a marathon

The Olympic Games need to be more sustainable, but they also provide a lesson. They offer a powerful model for what humanity can achieve when it embraces cooperation, respect, and shared purpose. And let’s face it: we love the Olympics because they represent the best of us – our dedication, our passion, our ability to overcome challenges. Environmental collapse is the ultimate challenge that requires this same level of global unity. By adopting the Olympic spirit, we can work together to create a sustainable future for all. The task ahead is overwhelming, but the rewards—a healthier planet, a fairer world, and a brighter future—are well worth the effort. 

The clock is ticking, and unlike the 100-meter dash, there are no silver medals in this race. Only winning will do. 

Written by Géraldine Wirtz, Co-founder Edited by Flore Andersen, Co-founder