A new scientific study warns that the extensive infrastructure and human activity required for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will significantly alter the local snowpack and environment. The research, published in the journal Nature, used satellite data and climate models to analyze the impact of previous Games. It found that Olympic construction and operations, including snowmaking, slope grooming, and increased tourism, can lead to reduced snow cover, altered snowmelt patterns, and local ecosystem stress. While artificial snow is essential for event reliability, its production is energy and water-intensive. The study’s authors advocate for future host cities to conduct thorough environmental impact assessments and prioritize sustainable practices to mitigate these effects. Read the full article at https://www.wired.com/story/winter-olympics-2026-impacts-snow/