Environmental advocacy group Greenpeace has vehemently called on Winter Olympics organizers to sever their ties with Italian oil major Eni, emphasizing that Eni’s fossil fuel activities undermine the protection of snow-dependent winter sports amid global warming concerns.
The Milano Cortina Olympic Games, scheduled for February 6-22, lists state-controlled Eni as a premium domestic sponsor. Greenpeace argues that Eni’s operations significantly contribute to global warming, which accelerates the loss of natural snow cover critical for winter sports in the Alps and beyond.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), contacted via email, stated the Games focus on reducing their carbon footprint and promoting regional efforts to adapt to climate change. Greenpeace, however, insists that the IOC follow the 1988 precedent of banning tobacco sponsorships by eliminating fossil fuel partnerships entirely.
(With inputs from agencies.)