At the time of writing, fires continue to ravage the city of Los Angeles. It is premature to assess the full scope of the damage, however, it is evident that the city has sustained considerable destruction, affecting infrastructure, wildlife, and residential properties.
These wildfires may represent one of the most severe natural disasters in US history. The devastation underscores the tangible threat posed by climate change.
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Recently, the city of LA has experienced ‘whiplash’, which is rapid shifts between very wet and very dry conditions which has made California particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events which are becoming more common, and conditions are volatile and unpredictable.
This is what has caused such destructive fires in LA, with fires still burning. Recent research has suggested that climate change has boosted these whiplash conditions globally by 31%-66% since the middle of the 20th century, while California now has 78 days per year when conditions are ripe for fires.
The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are scheduled for July, a period typically free from the Santa Ana winds. These powerful gusts are widely recognized as a primary factor contributing to the intensity and extent of wildfires in the region.
However, it is important to note that the absence of Santa Ana winds during the Olympics does not preclude the possibility of wildfires in Los Angeles between now and July 2028. Recent data published by the European Copernicus Service indicates that 2024 experienced an average temperature increase of 1.6 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
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By GlobalDataSuch extreme weather events are expected to persist, underscoring the necessity for adaptive measures in response to climate change. The sports industry must prepare to address these environmental challenges.
These fires have caused people to warn that LA hosting the 2028 Olympics is under threat. What has been referred to as a “big attraction” has been suggested to have the potential to turn into an “uninsurable mega-event”. The fires are still raging and AccuWeather has already reported that the cost of rebuilding what has been destroyed could cost between $250 to $275 billion.
The issue for many cities hosting the Olympic Games is the cost, and it often leaves cities with long-term debt. The organizing committee of the 2028 edition of the games (LA28) is responsible for raising the estimated $7 billion for staging the event, however, under the Olympic contract approved by the LA city council, the city is responsible for the first $270 million of any cost overrun.
This means that the city will likely have a significant amount of money that it will have to pay if it goes over the $7 billion budget.
From a broader perspective, should Los Angeles exceed its budget, this would impose considerable strain on the Olympic Games and the government, which is legally bound to absorb any cost overruns.
Countries are increasingly reluctant to bid for hosting the Olympics, primarily due to the substantial expenses associated with organizing the world’s preeminent sporting event. Los Angeles was the sole candidate for the 2028 games.
Los Angeles has hosted the Olympics twice before, in 1932 and 1984, and is thus cognizant of the event’s magnitude and the requirements for being a host city. Remarkably, the city is not constructing any new stadiums for 2028.
Instead, it will utilize existing facilities, including arenas, sports venues, and conference centers. Building new stadiums would undoubtedly be more costly, therefore, the city stands to economize by repurposing existing structures.
With so much damage across the city, this further brings into question whether the city is going to be able to rebuild itself and prepare to host the Olympics. The 2028 games had hopes of delivering as much of a boost for the region’s economy and international image as the Olympics of 1984, but this has been put in major doubt within the space of a week.
Entire neighborhoods will have to be rebuilt as they have been erased by the fire. Has the city got the funds to not only rebuild but also prepare a city that is ready to host an Olympic Games?
Los Angeles now faces an opportunity to reconstruct and, in doing so, to address future climate risks. The manner in which the city reacts after the fires are extinguished will have implications that extend well beyond its borders. Given that climate-driven fires can occur in nearly any state across the United States, Los Angeles has the potential to serve as a model for recovery and the creation of a safer, more resilient future.
The potential for sporting events and matches to be compromised by the effects of climate change underscores the grave and tangible threat it poses globally. Los Angeles, tasked with the formidable responsibility of hosting the Olympics in 2028, must also prepare for the FIFA World Cup matches and the Super Bowl in the preceding two years.
The challenges extend beyond climate change. Los Angeles is notorious for its traffic congestion. Despite this, the city has pledged to deliver a “car-free” Olympics. Critics, however, question the feasibility of relying on temporary bus routes to manage transportation demands.
Additionally, Los Angeles grapples with a severe homelessness crisis. Tens of thousands of individuals are without housing in a city where real estate ranks among the costliest worldwide.
The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles have devastated thousands of homes and structures, further straining the city’s ability to provide shelter for its residents. These fires have undoubtedly intensified an already critical situation.
The wildfires in Los Angeles stand as a stark reminder to the sports industry of the urgent challenges presented by climate change. It is increasingly evident that future sporting events, not limited to just the Olympic Games, will be impacted by changing climate.
Proactive planning for weather-related contingencies and extreme climate events has become an essential component of sports event management. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizes the seriousness of this issue and has implemented concrete measures to confront it.
The IOC has integrated sustainability into its strategic framework by assigning staff members specifically to this domain. This strategy is reflected by many governing bodies and international federations across sport.
Sports have often been at the forefront of significant social changes in modern history, and it appears they may need to assume this role once more.
