Organisers were bombarded during a press conference at Pyeongchang 2018 with questions about sustainability given that many non-ice venues, including the sliding centre and Alpine skiing facilities in Yanqing, will be built from scratch.

They were also challenged about environmental damage and a lack of water supplies to form snow.

Chang Yu, head of the publicity department at Beijing 2022, claimed lack of snow in Beijing will not be a problem.

He cited China Meteorological Administration statistics claiming that Yanqing received a natural snowfall of 52 millimetres last year and 30 millimetres in the other snowsport hub of Zhangjiakou.

"We passed all our water impact studies and are confident we will have enough supplies," Chang said.

"We will have enough water resources [to make snow]. 

"We are preparing relative technologies to keep up with IOC (International Olympic Committee) requirements."

Chang did not delve into more detail when asked to respond more directly to environmental concerns.

The IOC are currently conducting an environmental impact assessment in conjunction with ecological groups in which 54 yet-to-be-published measures have been identified.

"Beijing 2022 have ambition to deliver a fantastic Winter Games, which will be green, inclusive, open and clean," Chang added.

"Part of this goal is to inspire the youth of China with the Olympic spirit and embrace winter sport.

"We are working to promote social progress, build a sustainable ecosystem and improving living standards, while delivering excellent results both for the development of the Winter Games and the region.

"Our aim is to create a harmonious world of mutual understanding, one that focuses on continuous communications and friendship. 

"Hosting an Olympic event creates an important platform for a cultural exchange between the East and the West."