President Sergio Mattarella commented
on the need to tackle the climate crisis on Friday in a meeting
with representatives of the Italian Winter Sports Federation.
Among other things, global heating poses a massive threat to
winter sports due its effects of snowfall and the unpredictable
weather patterns it creates.
"Who can be more sensitive to this issue that is so decisive for
the future than the people who frequent and love the
mountains?," the head of State said.
"Safeguarding the planet is the main challenge facing humanity."
He added that people often are "distracted" from the fact this
is the biggest challenge the world faces "by wars, conflicts,
terrorism - phenomena that we would not like to see but which
are frequent".
The 82-year-old president also promised to attend Milano-Cortina
2026 Winter Olympics in two year's time.
"At my age one does not make long term plans but attending
Milano-Cortina 2026 is essential," he said.
"I would not give it up for anything in the world. I will
definitely be present".
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