Utah Teens Hold Great Salt Lake Protest Inspired by 2034 Olympics

SALT LAKE CITY. A group of Utah teenagers staged an Olympic-inspired protest Saturday, drawing attention to the negative effects of the drying up of the Great Salt Lake on the state and the 2034 Olympics.

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

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

When Salt Lake City was invoked, participants came out wearing gas masks, showing images of the Utah State Capitol surrounded by dark clouds, hinting at the environmental consequences that could occur if the lake dries up.

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

This was followed by a UYES demonstration Speaker of the House Mike Schultz said he wants to “suspend” the water legislation during the 2025 legislative session.

“House Speaker Mike Schultz recently said the Legislature needs to ‘take a break’ on water policy, effectively putting a ‘pause’ on new water legislation during the 2025 session,” said Liam Decker, 17. “… that’s not an approach we can afford.”

Teenagers are calling for action ten years before the 2034 Olympics

After the mock opening ceremony, some teenagers gave speeches urging the state leadership to continue to act.

A press release said the decline of the Great Salt Lake could lead to a “catastrophic failure” of the 2034 Winter Olympics.

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

“To the Utah Legislature, I say, please — if only to save yourself the embarrassment of having your inaction exposed in 2034 — do your job. Protect the Great Salt Lake,” said 15-year-old Maddie Stoltz.

Why is the Great Salt Lake so important?

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

According to Utah Division of Water Rightsthe lake contributes to the Wasatch Front’s snowfall. About 95% of the state’s water supply comes from total snow cover.

When the lake level drops, it increases the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals contained in the lake bed. As the dust dries, the wind picks up the particles, polluting nearby areas.

Air pollution poses risks to human health, as it is associated with several diseases. If left unchecked, it could endanger the health of visitors and athletes during the 2034 Olympic Games.

The Great Salt Lake is also home to many species, both native and migratory. Each year, as shorebirds migrate to warmer climates, they stop to rest and refuel in the Great Salt Lake.

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

More details: Here’s what US researchers have learned about the dangers of Great Salt Lake dust