Earth Day. Red Cross, Valastro: “Conflicts and humanitarian crises endanger the planet’s balance. From CRI, a universal sustainable development, thanks to the youth”

“The ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, combined with recent health, social, and environmental emergencies, are jeopardizing the balance of our planet and slowing down the commitment made by the 2030 Agenda in terms of environmental sustainability. Protecting the Earth and its resources, addressing climate change, combating poverty and social inequalities, safeguarding human rights, are all elements that, together, equally contribute to a concept of universal sustainable development of which the Italian Red Cross, every day, is a witness, through Volunteers committed on the ground. We must take care of our planet because we live, breathe, and build our lives in it, and remember that working together for a healthy environment is the first condition to respect and protect our health and the lives of those close to us.” These are the words of the President of the Italian Red Cross, Rosario Valastro, on the occasion of the 54th Earth Day, which is celebrated today, in which he recalls the initiatives that the Italian Red Cross carries out in environmental education and sustainability, starting from those aimed at young people.

“Through the activities of the Volunteers and Committees, we have created Green Camps, free residential and non-residential summer camps on the theme of environmental protection, dedicated to children between 8 and 17 years old. Soon, moreover, we will welcome 100 young operators of the Universal Civil Service within the framework of an Environmental Civil Service experiment, as a further sign of the Association’s commitment to activities for the prevention of environmental risks and the protection of the territory.”

“Always in this direction,” Valastro emphasizes, “in 2021 the Italian Red Cross launched the four-year Effetto Terra campaign, aimed at raising awareness among Volunteers and citizens on the theme of reducing environmental impact. There is a direct link between individual and collective choices and the ongoing climate crisis. Only by getting involved, by committing ourselves together on issues such as mitigation, adaptation, and preparation for extreme events, will we be able to positively impact our relationship with the environment and the planet, and have the necessary conditions to guarantee the protection of everyone’s health.”

Sources

• Italian Red Cross press release