We are all compatriots
How an earthquake concentrates concerns of a global scale
I am so impressed with the outpourings of sympathy from around the world for the people of Venezuela as the realisation sinks in of the damage and loss of life caused by the terrible twin earthquakes. Aid has been promised, from the United States of America to China via Italy. Mrs Meloni has even sent a message of condolence to her compatriots, and I hadn’t realised that there are quite so many Italians living in Venezuela; either that or something got lost in the translation.1
Just recently, I was reading about the earthquake in Japan in January 2024, and the dreadful crash that occurred when a Japanese Coast Guard aircraft waiting to take off from Haneda airport to bring aid to the victims of that disaster themselves met with disaster as a fully loaded airliner was guided by confused ATC instructions to land on top of them as they sat on the runway. In each case of natural disaster, one is constantly impressed by the valour and selflessness of those who take the duty upon themselves to succour to the needs of the unfortunate victims.
Yet, where is the sense of urgency among well-supplied and well-equipped nations to succour to the vital needs of the victims of climate emergency, of which we are having such graphic experience here in Europe at this time? As long as the assistance comprises a few planeloads of blankets, some sniffer dogs, maybe the devices to enter a flooded subterranean cave system, the offers of aid are plentiful. But a longer-term commitment to relieving the pressures that cause climate emergencies get ignored, cast aside, even after pledges have been given to adopt them. It’s a strange juxtaposition: on the one hand a generous expression of sympathy and humanitarian concern; on the other, couldn’t care less.
They say plans are afoot to cut a canal across from the west to the east coasts of the United Arab Emirates, in order to circumvent the difficulties currently posed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It certainly promises to cost several billion dollars and, once built, I do wonder whether the UAE would be charging fees to transit through it, like those to which it raises so much objection when imposed by Iran. One thing will stop them building such a canal: doubt as to whether or not it’s necessary. Exactly the same considerations that prevent world powers doing anything about climate disaster. Not until it happens, that is. Meanwhile, when earthquakes strike, there they all are, ever ready.
Maybe Mrs Meloni did not err in her sympathies for the Venezuelans: we are indeed all compatriots on this earth, if we’d but realise it.
(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Roma, 25 giu - ‘Nel seguire con profonda apprensione le conseguenze del violento terremoto che ha colpito il Venezuela, il presidente del Consiglio, Giorgia Meloni, esprime a nome del Governo la piu’ sentita solidarieta’ e vicinanza alle autorita’ venezuelane e alla popolazione’. Cosi’ Palazzo Chigi in una nota, nella quale si aggiunge che ‘la presidenza del Consiglio e’ in continuo contatto con il ministero degli Affari Esteri e la Protezione civile per attivare tempestivamente ogni canale di aiuto umanitario e di assistenza ai nostri connazionali’.