Utah teens lead 2034 Olympics-inspired protest supporting Great Salt Lake

Nov 4, 2024, 9:21 AM

Utah teens wear gas masks and ski goggles at Olympic Cauldron Park during a demonstration in suppor...

Utah teens wear gas masks and ski goggles at Olympic Cauldron Park during a demonstration in support of Great Salt Lake on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. The teens want to see Utah legislators do more to protect the lake. (Topaz Henderson, Utah Youth Environmental Solutions)

(Topaz Henderson, Utah Youth Environmental Solutions)

SALT LAKE CITY — A group of Utah teens held an Olympics-inspired protest Saturday, drawing attention to the negative impacts a drying Great Salt Lake could have on the state and the 2034 Olympics.

Members of Utah Youth Environmental Solutions held a mock Olympic ceremony at Rice Eccles Stadium’s Olympic Cauldron Plaza. The demonstration warned of a dark, unhealthy future and urged lawmakers to continue legislating in the lake’s favor.

During the demonstration, an announcer listed the names of each city that has hosted the Winter Olympics since 2002. Demonstrators wore winter gear, like ski boots and snow pants, as they displayed flags representing each previous host.

When Salt Lake City was called, participants emerged wearing gas masks, revealing an image of Utah’s State Capitol surrounded by dark clouds, implying the environmental consequences that could follow if the lake were to dry up.

According to the press release, the banner and gas masks served as a reminder of what could come if lawmakers don’t protect the lake.

UYES’ demonstration came after House Speaker Mike Schultz said that he wants to “pause” water legislation during the 2025 legislative session.

“House Speaker Mike Shultz recently said that the legislature needs to “take a break” from water policy, effectively putting a “pause” on new water legislation during the 2025 session,” said 17-year-old Liam Decker. “… this is not an approach we can afford to take.”

Teens urge action a decade ahead of 2034 Olympics

Following the mock opening ceremony, some of the teens made speeches, urging state leadership to continue taking action.

The press release said that Great Salt Lake’s decline could lead to a “disastrous failure” of the 2034 Winter Olympics.

While Great Salt Lake Deputy Commissioner Tim Davis previously said that legislation was helping the lake, the teens said more needs to be done.

“To the Utah Legislature, I say please–if only to protect yourself from embarrassment when your inaction is thrown in your face in 2034–do your jobs. Protect the Great Salt Lake,” said 15-year-old Maddie Stolz.

Why is Great Salt Lake so important?

Great Salt Lake plays a crucial role in the environmental, ecological, and economic well-being of the surrounding area.

According to the Utah Division of Water Rights, the lake contributes to Wasatch Front snowfall. About 95% of the state’s water supply comes from overall snowpack.

When lake levels drop, they increase the public’s risk of exposure to harmful chemicals contained in the lakebed. As the dust dries, the wind picks the particles up, polluting nearby areas.

Air pollution poses risks to human health, having been linked to several diseases. If left unchecked, it could put the health of visitors and athletes at risk during the 2034 Olympic games.

Great Salt Lake is also home to numerous species, both native and migratory. Each year, as shorebirds move to warmer climates, they stop to rest and refuel at Great Salt Lake.

Finally, the Utah Division of Water Rights said that the lake provides about $1.9 billion annually to the state’s economy.

KSL 5 TV Live

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Jazz Shocked By Phoenix Suns In Come-From-Behind Overtime Win

The Utah Jazz lost in dramatic fashion after a win looked all but secured against the Phoenix Suns in Footprint Center on Friday.

1 hour ago

Autumn Mercado, who was found dead in her home on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025....

Garna Mejia

Charges pending in case of West Jordan mother found dead, family seeks justice and protection for children

Nearly a month after the discovery of a West Jordan woman's body during a welfare check, charges in the case have yet to be filed.

1 hour ago

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Matt Rourke, Associated Press) FILE: police lights. On...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah State Defense Kennels Bulldogs In Aggie Win

FRESNO, California - Despite some warts, the Utah State Aggies proved to be the better team in an 89-81 win over Fresno State. 

2 hours ago

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk prior to a NATO ...

Jim Morris, Associated Press

Justin Trudeau reportedly says Trump’s talk of making Canada a US state is ‘a real thing’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says President Donald Trump’s talk of making Canada the 51st state is “a real thing” and is linked to the country’s rich natural resources.

2 hours ago

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, claps as Tesla and SpaceX CEO ...

Anthony Izaguirre associated press

19 states sue to stop DOGE from accessing Americans’ personal data

Nineteen Democratic attorneys general have sued President Donald Trump to stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing Treasury Department records.

2 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utah teens lead 2034 Olympics-inspired protest supporting Great Salt Lake