Why Did Greenpeace Target Eni? Winter Olympics Climate Controversy Deepens
Winter Olympics Climate Controversy: Why Did Greenpeace Target Eni? A closer look at activism, branding, and the rising tension between climate groups and sponsors.
The Milano Cortina 2026 countdown carried more than medal talk and opening-ceremony buzz. Climate activists pulled sponsor politics into the spotlight, and that is why Eni became a direct target. Greenpeace’s core argument is simple: winter sport depends on cold, reliable snow, while fossil-fuel expansion pushes temperatures upward and threatens those conditions. The protest hit exactly when global attention was building around the torch relay, so the message traveled fast.
Why Greenpeace Went After Eni Before The Games
Greenpeace says Eni is not a neutral backer of the Olympics. During protests at Milan’s Duomo, activists displayed Olympic rings dripping black oil and banners calling to remove polluters from the Games. Reuters reported Eni is one of the premium domestic sponsors, while Eni’s own communications describe the company as Premium Partner of Milano Cortina 2026 and presenting partner of the torch relay.
The campaign also ties into legal and science messaging. Greenpeace and ReCommon are in an ongoing climate case against Eni, and Greenpeace claims one year of Eni emissions could melt glacier ice equal to 2.5 million Olympic pools. Eni disputes that glacier math as misleading.
The Pushback, The Defense, And The IOC Angle
Eni says it supports climate action and is investing toward net-zero by 2050. The IOC has said Milano Cortina planning includes footprint-reduction measures and partnerships connected to energy-transition solutions. That is why this became bigger than one street protest: it is a public fight over climate credibility in sport.
The Trend Wave Around This Story
Official news post on X: Reuters Update. The debate widened further after AP reported a “Ski Fossil Free” petition with 21,000+ signatures delivered to IOC officials, while Wired cited analysis linking major projected snow-and-ice impacts to high-carbon sponsors.
FAQs
1) Why Did Greenpeace Target Eni Specifically?
Greenpeace says Eni’s fossil fuels worsen warming, shrinking snow cover needed for winter sports today.
2) What Happened During The Milan Protest?
They installed oil-dripping Olympic rings near the Duomo and displayed banners against fossil-fuel sponsorship there.
3) How Did Eni Respond Publicly?
Eni said it supports climate action and plans net-zero emissions by 2050 through transition investments.
4) Did The IOC Respond To The Sponsorship Criticism?
Yes, IOC said planners focused on reducing footprint and partnering with firms backing energy transition.
5) Is This Debate Bigger Than One Protest?
Yes, Ski Fossil Free petition with over 21,000 signatures reached IOC before opening ceremony.
