A new generation of activists is emerging in Italy. Experts, young people, and for the most part women, move between institutions and squares, but they also disseminate on social networks.
They have scientific skills and experience in the field, and they strive to achieve important changes on a global level, with the awareness that changing their daily habits is the first step in this direction.
Here are 5 Italian activists who in recent years have tried to make a difference for our planet.
Federica Gasbarro
At the age of twenty-six she represented Italy at the United Nations during the first gathering of young leaders at the glass palace in New York, and at the General Assembly during the 2019 Climate Summit. He represented our country (together with Daniele Guadagnolo ) also at the Youth4Climate in Milan in 2021, and appears in the Forbes Italia 100 Number One list, the ranking of young Italian leaders of the future.
Graduated in biological sciences, she has published two books: Diary of a striker and Covid-19 and climate change. She is a full-fledged environmental influencer, and she uses her scientific knowledge of her to make quality information. Interviewed by National Geographic, Federica claims that:
In general, when dealing with such important issues, it is essential to be prepared. […]. I think my added value is this: I find out and study meticulously before talking about the environment given the dangerousness of the situation. […] Right now I am the spokesperson for a scientific truth because I have media attention that many experts have never had. I think the secret to making your voice heard is a mix of passion, lucky circumstances and as much competence as possible… otherwise it’s easy to run the risk of repeating the same empty slogans. “
Nicola Lamberti
Among the Italian activists is Nicola Lamberti (twenty-four years old), a student of Environmental and Territorial Engineering, and also a green influencer. On instagram, Lamberti tells us that his intent is to “explain how to protect what we do not want to give up”. It is here that he opened the column Che stagione è, where he initially gave dietary indications on fruit and vegetables, but which he then expanded into a column on sustainable nutrition.
In November 2021, the product of his collaboration with Utilitalia was released: Green Dream is a journey through Italy of services and renewable energy. It is a web series that talks about Italian excellence in the field of sustainability, and which sees him as the protagonist, together with Margherita Granbassi, as host.
Mariasole Bianco
Mariasole Bianco is a marine biologist, and is a national and international reference point for policies related to the protection of the marine environment and sustainable development.
In 2013 he founded Worldrise , an ONLUS that develops projects for the conservation and enhancement of the marine environment through a path focused on awareness, creativity and education. The projects are carried out by involving young students and recent graduates, to facilitate the acquisition of professional practical knowledge, with the aim of training new generations of activists. Their mission:
- raise awareness in the community on the importance of safeguarding the marine environment;
- involve new generations, the private sector, institutions and individuals in a path of change;
- facilitate anyone who wants to be part of the change to act for the protection of nature and be part of the solution;
- train young people, so that they become future custodians of the naturalistic heritage of the Mediterranean.
Caterina Sarfatti
An expert in urban development, local environmental policies, and international policies on migration and climate, Caterina Sarfatti is director of the Inclusive climate action program of the international organization C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.
The intent of the program is to provide support to cities to plan and implement interventions against the climate crisis. In particular, we focus on creating plans that are fair and inclusive: which therefore take into account the needs of all strata of the population (not just the privileged classes). According to the United Nations, it is the vulnerable and marginalized categories that suffer most from the consequences of the climate crisis, risking to slip below the poverty line.
Another central issue is that of the imbalance between the number of women in the bodies dealing with ecological transactions and the impact that climate change has on the female population: only 15% of the ministers dealing with the environment and energy transition are women, but so are 80% of people forced to move due to climate change.
Sarfatti talked about it on the stage of TEDxMilano, in June 2021, entitled Perché le donne salveranno il pianeta.
Federico Mascolo
Federico Mascolo is a climate policy analyst, and works at the Climate Action Network Europe in Brussels. He is also the creator and editor-in-chief of Duegradi , a web magazine on climate change; you can read on the site:
the goal is simple: we want to talk about it more in Italy. Duegradi tackles the subject starting from a solid scientific basis, but with a language accessible to all; in an exhaustive, but “down to earth” way. Because we believe that if something is not understood, it is not because it is too difficult, but because it has not been explained well enough. “
The magazine talks about economy and society, politics, science and culture, all aimed at raising public awareness.
For a creative take on ecological activism, we recommend our editorial.
