The mascots for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics are ermines, weasel-like animals affected by climate change. One mascot, Tina, is a white ermine named after Cortina d’Ampezzo, while her brother, Milo, a brown ermine born without a leg, represents the Paralympics. Their images are widely used, but stuffed versions sold out quickly. Olympics organizers, focusing on the event’s Italian spirit, have not addressed the impact of climate change on stoats, despite calls for awareness. Marco Granata, a researcher, emphasizes the missed chance to educate the public on stoats and their vulnerabilities caused by climate shifts. Although not endangered, stoats face growing threats as climate change disrupts their camouflage patterns. Experts suggest that conservation efforts and reduced emissions could help preserve stoat populations. Overall, the mascots reflect both the beauty and challenges of changing environmental conditions, highlighting a need for awareness and action.
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