About the Event

The discussion "Gold, Snow and Concrete: The Hidden Cost of Mega-Events" explores the often-overlooked impacts of global events such as the Winter Olympics. While these events are frequently presented as opportunities for development and international visibility, increasing evidence points to their hidden costs—from environmental damage caused by large-scale infrastructure and land use, to the financial burden placed on local communities. Entire regions are often transformed to meet temporary demands, leaving lasting consequences for ecosystems and residents' quality of life.
This event aims to open a space for critical reflection on whether the Winter Olympics truly benefit host populations or instead represent an unsustainable model of development that needs to be rethought. The discussion brings together data, experiences, and perspectives to explore these questions and consider possible alternatives.

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