The IOC Executive Board decided at its latest meeting here in Lausanne to add specific elements relating to carbon emissions to the operational requirements of the Host City Contract.

Each Organising Committee will be "required to go beyond the current obligation of reducing and compensating carbon emissions directly related to their operations", the IOC said in a statement.

This includes "minimising and compensating their direct, as well as indirect, carbon emissions".

Implementing "lasting zero-carbon solutions for the Olympic Games and beyond" will also be among the mandatory requirements for host cities.

The IOC said it would work closely with each host city to ensure they adhere to the requirements, which will come into effect from the 2030 Games onwards.

Climate positive is defined as an activity which goes beyond achieving net zero carbon emissions to create an environmental benefit by removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The decision from the Executive Board at its latest meeting comes in response to concerns over the impact of climate change on the Winter Olympic Games.

"Climate change is a challenge of unprecedented proportions, and it requires an unprecedented response,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. 

“Looking ahead, we want to do more than reducing and compensating our own impact. 

"We want to ensure that, in sport, we are at the forefront of the global efforts to address climate change and leave a tangible, positive legacy for the planet."

The IOC will plant an "Olympic Forest" as part of its attempt to become climate positive, the Executive Board added.