Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a petition
    • ex. The students signed a petition to ask for longer library hours.
  2. fossil fuel
    • ex. Many countries use fossil fuels like coal and oil for energy, but they can harm the environment.
  3. sponsor
    • ex. A local business is sponsoring the charity run.
  4. sustainability
    • ex. Companies are focusing on sustainability to reduce waste and pollution.
  5. commitment
    • ex. The company shows commitment to reducing pollution.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Norwegian skier Nikolai Schirmer gave the International Olympic Committee (IOC) a petition signed by more than 21,000 people who want fossil fuel companies to stop sponsoring the Olympic Games. The petition, called Ski Fossil Free, was delivered to the IOC’s head of sustainability just before the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics began.

Schirmer said winter sports depend on snow and cold weather, which are threatened by climate change. Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas is the main cause of global warming. As winters become shorter and warmer, fewer places will be able to host the Winter Games. Schirmer believes sports should be a force for change. It should not promote companies that worsen the problem globally today.

The petition asks the IOC and ski authorities to review fossil fuel marketing before the next season. The IOC said climate change is a serious challenge and pointed to its commitment to renewable energy, but it did not promise to act on the petition.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Impact of Climate Change on the Olympics

  • As winters become shorter and warmer, fewer places will be able to host the Winter Games. Do you think the Winter Games should continue even if fewer places can host them because of climate change? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Some people think companies that cause climate change should not sponsor sports events. Do you agree that sports organizations have a responsibility to reject these sponsors? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, should international sports organizations like the IOC help address climate change? Why or why not? Discuss.

Schirmer’s Petition

  • What do you think about Nikolai Schirmer’s petition asking the IOC to stop accepting fossil fuel sponsors? Discuss.
  • How might the IOC’s decision on this petition affect the future of the Winter Games? Discuss.
  • How might this petition affect public awareness of climate change and the Olympics? Discuss.