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editorial

What if we do the Walk for the walk in which all of us
Glaciers ! – international staff,
At Diva International Diplomat Geneva International
magazine, we are extremely proud and the diplomatic
that our appeals over the last few years community - could
about the threats to Swiss Glaciers participate. This could
have not remained unnoticed. We be done during the
applaud the recent statement by the coming summer when
UN Secretary-General Mr. Guterres it is easier to approach
during the World Economic Forum the glaciers, and they
(WEF) in Davos, stating that can be seen dramatically melting. raising emissions. Our planet is still
“Here in Switzerland, glaciers are This would raise awareness, and as heading for a scorching 3°C increase
disappearing before our eyes. Some dedicated glacier lovers and natural in global temperatures compared
are gone forever; and others have heritage supporters, we would love with the pre-industrial period,
lost 10 per cent of their volume in to take part. which is far from the target of 1.5°C”.
just the past two years. Such rapid Of course, our proposed walks will
changes should disturb us all. 2023 Even if these walks never happen, not be sufficient to reduce emissions
went down as the hottest year on smaller groups could take a pledge or to keep the planet safe; that is the
record. But it could be one of the to make five walks in favour of the work of politicians.
coolest years of the future.” Swiss glaciers and write an account
about them – Diva International However, if they raise awareness, they
The Swiss Glaciers are receding Diplomat for the Glaciers. If any of will show that there are votes to be
drastically and those of us who you carry out such walks, please let gained: they will indicate where the
love them are saddened by this us know and we could publish your public concerns are. Furthermore,
loss. According to Swiss research, reports. they will raise questions and
the glacier melt will continue at the enquiries, they cause people to
same rate until 2040. After that, Walking is beneficial for health of seek out the facts of the issues and
estimates range from a loss of 22% to course, as the latest Harvard Health thereby educate themselves. Alerting
50% by 2100, depending on climate Publishing issue notes, but if we people to how our natural heritage is
measures taken. do these walks we save something threatened and may disappear is a
equally vital: the glaciers themselves, loud cry that something could and
What can the writers and readers our precious natural heritage. Of should be urgently done.
of Diva do to change the situation? course, walks alone will not cool
Of course, actions are needed at a down the planet or save it from So, I propose that we work together
global level as well as at country atmospheric warming, but they can to do this. At Diva, we hope to be
and government levels. However, raise awareness among those who heard further and make our modest
all of us can make a change. If our can bring change. contribution to the protection of the
publications raise awareness, then Swiss glaciers. We have millions of
maybe further awareness-raising At Davos, the UN Secretary-General readers all over the Globe – if just
will bring concrete actions. For Mr. Guterres pointed out that it is 10 per cent did Walks to Save Their
example, we could launch a Walk for not only the current level of climate Glaciers we could all win: win our
Glaciers appeal; after all, there are change and global warming that planet for ourselves and for future
many Walks for good causes, so why threaten our planet and glaciers. He generations.
not for Glaciers? There could be an noted that “as climate breakdown
organization to arrange a sponsored begins, countries remain hellbent on Evelina RIOUKHINA

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