President Eliasch at COP28 in Dubai

Dec 01, 2023·Inside FIS

As the world’s leaders, policymakers and climate campaigners gather in Dubai for COP28 (the UN Climate Change Conference), FIS President Johan Eliasch has joined them to argue for more urgent action to close the emissions gap over the coming years.

The summit is a significant one, since it offers the opportunity for governments and businesses around the world to formally review progress since the landmark Paris Agreement of 2015, where countries pledged to limit global average warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

All who are involved with snow sports – whether athletes, fans, businesses or bodies like FIS – are acutely aware of the effects of climate change. Our sports are particularly affected by changes in nature that are triggered by global warming. The reach of skiing and snowboarding also mean that we have an incredible power to raise awareness and act as an ambassador for good. We are determined to use that power to effect real change.– Johan Eliasch, FIS President

There is widespread agreement that this summit is a critical one, coming at a time when greater levels of ambition and imagination are required to rise to the challenge of climate change. The delegates in Dubai are particularly focussed on an intention to triple renewable energy by 2030, and the huge task of restoring biodiversity where it has been lost.

These goals can only be reached together, with governments, private sector, individuals and sports organisations all playing their part. We continue to work tirelessly to effectively cut our carbon footprint as an organization by taking action such as hosting the FIS Congress remotely every other year. FIS feels an immense responsibility to help preserve the habitats on which our sport depends – and we take that responsibility very seriously.– Johan Eliasch, FIS President