Our vision of ecology in Krzyżowa || Anna Dańkowska, Robert Żurek
How should the Krzyżowa Foundation behave in the face of the climate crisis, environmental degradation and deepening social and environmental problems? We believe that it has a duty to ask courageous questions, to criticise the exploitation of the planet and people, to seek constructive solutions for a better future, and to support attitudes of respect for nature, Earth's resources and solidarity with others.
The Foundation, which runs a large educational centre and hosts more than 10,000 people from many countries every year, has considerable possibilities for pro-ecological activities. At the same time, it is statutorily obliged to do so. The Statute recommends the implementation of tasks for, among others, "ecology and animal protection and protection of natural heritage". In addition, it defines as an objective of the Foundation "to stimulate and support activities aimed at the consolidation of a peaceful and tolerant coexistence of nations, social groups and individuals", while the climate crisis and environmental degradation are increasingly a threat to peace.
(...) Action for sustainable development is not easy for a non-governmental organisation with huge needs and limited resources. That is why the Foundation sets itself ambitious goals, but achievable in the reality of its operation. We want to further develop our environmental activities, despite all the difficulties that such an undertaking brings with it. We believe that the commitment to a fairer, more sustainable and greener world is essential today and is an expression of our Foundation's responsibility for a good future for us all.
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The climate crisis - what can we do? || Anna Dańkowska
The climate crisis and environmental degradation are among the greatest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. The paradigm of economic growth at all costs, the spirit of consumerism, the attitude of greed and exploitation which man has applied to the Earth and its resources, as well as to the weaker ones, has led to ecological imbalances, environmental degradation, social inequality and climate change.
The activities of non-governmental organisations, a strong civil society, and local, cross-sectoral and international cooperation are essential for developing the values of sustainable development, democracy and solidarity in societies.
The voice of young people is increasingly strong, and they are expressing their resistance to the exploitation of the Earth and people by participating in mass climate strikes around the world. Young people realise that it is their generation and future generations who will pay the highest price for an approach in which continuous economic growth, excessive consumption and ruthless competition are identified with development. The international climate movement Fridays for Future shows that young people are ready for change and demands it from decision makers.
In this context, the role of environmental education, for sustainable development, global and transformative learning is invaluable for strengthening civic attitudes and commitment to social and environmental transformation. Such education operates on the basis of several steps: from knowledge, through deepening awareness, activating emotions, to involvement in a given matter. Asking important questions, creating a space for discussion and in-depth reflection on ecological and climatic challenges, emotional involvement, leads to specific undertakings preventing environmental threats. Showing alternatives inspires to take the initiative.
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