The town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, one of Italy's most famous ski resorts, is gearing up to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a return of the Games to one of its traditional European bases for the first time in two decades.

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently amid rising sea-levels and increasing temperatures.

Climate Crisis

The town of Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy is set to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Known for its popular ski resort, the town is currently facing challenges in meeting its preparation deadlines. One significant project, the sliding centre for Olympic events such as bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge, needs to be completed against a looming deadline. This project, with an estimated cost of $123 million, has experienced delays, largely due to the scarcity of natural snow, a situation exacerbated by climate change.

Despite these challenges, Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi remains optimistic that the sliding centre will be ready on time. While Lake Placid in the United States was considered a backup venue, local authorities have committed to completing the sliding centre in Cortina instead. Some critics, including activist Marina Minardi, are concerned about the need for the sliding centre, citing the decline in popularity and media exposure of the bobsleigh sport in the region. 

The broader issue of climate change presents a significant challenge to traditional winter sports locations like Cortina. An environmental lobby group, Legambiente, notes that most of Italy's ski slopes rely heavily on artificial snow, a practice that may not be viable long-term due to the increasing impacts of climate change. According to preliminary research from the International Olympic Committee, only a limited number of countries may be able to host the Winter Games by 2040 as temperatures continue to rise.



Snow in short supply as Italy readies to host the Winter Olympics

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Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Russia hits Kyiv with largest drone attack after Trump-Putin call

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Washington

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Jerusalem

More than 80 people killed in Gaza in one day

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Ukraine will do 'anything' to advance EU accession talks: Zelenskyy

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Global Tariffs

Trump: Letters telling countries their tariff rate going out Friday

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Gilimanuk

Indonesia suspends search for 30 missing after ferry sinks near Bali

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Ochopee

First group of detainees arrive at "Alligator Alcatraz," Florida says

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Trump speaks with Putin, plans call with Zelenskyy

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Tecoluca

Kilmar Abrego Garcia claims he was tortured in El Salvadoran prison

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Manhattan

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Madrid

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Tehran

Iran Strikes

Iran nuclear program degraded by up to two years: Pentagon

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Lhasa

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New York

Diddy denied bail, avoids life in prison

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Trump says Israel has agreed to Gaza ceasefire conditions

Bryan Kohberger changed his plea to guilty Wednesday for the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. CBS News national correspondent Carter Evans has more on the case.

Boise

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Madison

Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down 176-year-old state abortion ban

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Paris

Macron held 'substantial' phone call with Putin

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Everglades

Protesters gather around ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as President Trump visits

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Moscow

Suspect in murders of four Idaho college students to plead guilty

Thailand's Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from duty pending a case seeking her dismissal, adding to mounting pressure on a government fighting for survival on multiple fronts.

Bangkok

Thai court suspends PM from duty pending case seeking her dismissal

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