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.
We are seeing the progressive effects of climate change all over the world. It can also be felt in our part of Europe: ever warmer winters, deeper droughts, and extreme weather phenomena such as heavy rainfall are occurring with increasing frequency.
The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, report in English, report in German) clearly shows that, if we do not take decisive steps towards a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, we could lead to irreversible, long-term effects, even leading to the loss of certain ecosystems.niektórych ekosystemów.
Read more: The climate crisis - what can we do? || Anna Dańkowska
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.
Read more: Our vision of ecology in Krzyżowa || Anna Dańkowska, Robert Żurek
On 5 December 2020, the online election of the members of the Council of the Krzyżowa Foundation for the new cadence took place. The most important body of the Foundation has a maximum of 24 members and is elected for a 5-year term. The new Council will be constituted at its first meeting, scheduled for spring 2021.
We warmly congratulate all those elected and wish them success, effective cooperation and many activities that will contribute to building dialogue and understanding by the Foundation.
The members of the Council of the Krzyżowa Foundation in the new cadence:
Read more: Election of the new Council of the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe
The 50th anniversary of Willi Brandt's visit to Warsaw, during which he paid tribute to the fallen Poles in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as to the Jews when he knelt down at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, is an opportunity for a broader reflection on Polish-German relations not only in recent decades. It is undertaken by Dr. Robert Żurek, a member of the Management Board and Managing Director of the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe, in his latest article "How Germany changed its course and broke with its negative policy towards Poland".
The article was published on the website Więź.pl.
Read more: Robert Żurek "How Germany changed its course and broke with its negative policy towards Poland"
