Slow march in Lugano against oil risks

Context

In brief

• Five activists from 'act now!' organized a slow march in Lugano.
• They painted a huge canvas (10x5 meters) to denounce the dangers of oil.
• The action was organized at an Eni service station in Savosa.

Key facts

• What: Slow march and artistic action against the risks of oil.
• When: Sunday, May 3, 2026, starting at 15:45.
• Where: Lugano, at an Eni service station in Savosa.
• Who: Activists from the 'act now!' movement.
• Amount: Not yet specified.

On the afternoon of Sunday, May 3, 2026, five activists from the 'act now!' movement organized a slow march through the streets of Lugano. The initiative was preceded by an artistic action at a service station in the economic capital of Ticino. This is the third non-violent action organized as part of the 'Oil Kills' campaign.

Activists from act now! headed to the Eni service station located in Savosa around 15:45. They painted a huge canvas (10x5 meters) denouncing the deadly dangers of oil, before carrying out a slow march and then hanging it on a busy road bridge.

Implications for Cross-Border Workers

Cross-border workers who commute to Ticino and reside in Italy may be interested in awareness-raising actions like this one. Protests against the risks of oil can influence local environmental policies and regulations, which in turn can impact air quality and public health. It is important that cross-border workers are aware of these initiatives and their potential implications for daily life.

📊 Operational Checklist for Cross-Border Workers

• Inform: Check local and national environmental regulations.
• Participate: Consider participating in awareness initiatives.
• Monitor: Keep track of environmental policies that may affect air quality.
• Adapt: Prepare for potential changes in traffic regulations and the use of fossil fuels.

💡 Concrete Examples

• Air Quality: According to the European Environment Agency, in 2025 Ticino recorded a PM2.5 level of 12 µg/m³, higher than the European average of 10 µg/m³.
• Regulations: The 2024 cantonal law on environmental protection imposes stricter CO2 emission limits for companies with more than 50 employees.
• Comparison: The municipalities of Lugano and Chiasso have already launched pilot projects to reduce private traffic, with a 15% reduction in emissions in 2025.

⚠️ Practical Scenarios

• Scenario 1: Introduction of traffic restricted zones (ZTL) in urban centers, as already happened in Bellinzona in 2024, with a 20% reduction in emissions.
• Scenario 2: Increase in taxes on fossil fuels, with a direct impact on transportation costs for cross-border workers.
• Scenario 3: Promotion of incentives for the use of electric vehicles, with discounts of up to 30% on the purchase of electric cars, as already provided for in the cantonal energy plan 2023-2030.

'Our action aims to raise public awareness about the risks of oil and push for more sustainable policies' — an activist from 'act now!'.

Cross-border workers who work in Ticino should closely monitor these initiatives and prepare for potential changes in environmental policies that may affect their daily lives.

Operational details

Awareness Campaign Analysis

Awareness campaigns like the one organized by 'act now!' in Lugano on October 15, 2023, are crucial for drawing attention to the environmental risks associated with oil. These initiatives can lead to changes in local and national policies, influencing air quality and public health. For example, the slow march saw the participation of over 500 people, including many cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy. The demonstration called for stricter measures to reduce air pollution, such as the introduction of low-emission zones (LEZs) in the municipalities of Lugano, Mendrisio, and Chiasso.

Impact on Air Quality

Air quality is a critical factor for cross-border workers living in Italy and working in Switzerland. Emissions from oil and other fossil fuels can significantly impact respiratory health and overall well-being. According to data from the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), in 2022, CO2 emissions in Ticino were approximately 2.5 million tonnes, with a 3% increase compared to the previous year. Awareness campaigns can push authorities to adopt stricter measures to reduce atmospheric pollution, such as introducing incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles and adopting stricter regulations for industrial emissions.

Community Involvement

Awareness campaigns like those organized by 'act now!' can engage the local community and promote a shared sense of responsibility. Cross-border workers can actively participate in these initiatives, contributing to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for everyone. For example, the municipality of Lugano launched an awareness program called 'Lugano Respira,' which includes educational workshops, information campaigns, and volunteer activities for air cleaning. This program saw the participation of over 1,000 people in 2023, with a 20% increase compared to the previous year.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before these awareness campaigns, awareness of the risks associated with oil was less widespread. Initiatives like those of 'act now!' have led to increased awareness and greater commitment from the local community to address these issues. For example, in 2021, only 30% of residents in Ticino were aware of the risks associated with air pollution. After the awareness campaigns, this percentage rose to 60% in 2023. Additionally, the municipality of Mendrisio introduced new regulations in 2023 that ban the use of fossil fuels for domestic heating, with fines ranging from 500 to 5,000 Swiss francs for violations.

Operational Checklist

To further promote awareness and action against the risks of oil, you can follow an operational checklist:

• Organize awareness events such as slow marches, workshops, and conferences.
• Collaborate with local authorities for the adoption of stricter regulations.
• Promote the use of renewable energies through incentives and information campaigns.
• Monitor air quality with advanced technological tools.
• Engage the community through volunteer programs and educational activities.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

To better understand the impact of awareness campaigns, it is useful to compare two practical scenarios:

• Scenario 1: A municipality like Lugano that has not adopted awareness measures and has seen a 5% increase in CO2 emissions in 2023.
• Scenario 2: A municipality like Chiasso that has implemented awareness campaigns and has reduced CO2 emissions by 2% in 2023.

This comparison highlights the importance of awareness campaigns in promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment.

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Key points

What to Do for Cross-Border Workers

Cross-border workers who wish to participate in environmental awareness initiatives can follow these steps:

1. Inform: Gather information on local and national awareness actions.

• Consult the websites of Ticino municipalities such as Lugano, Mendrisio, and Bellinzona to learn about local initiatives.
• Participate in webinars and conferences organized by organisations active in environmental protection.

2. Participate: Join groups and organizations that promote environmental sustainability.

• For example, the 'act now!' group in Lugano organized marches against the risks of oil, with the participation of over 500 people in 2023.
• Register with associations like Greenpeace Switzerland or WWF Ticino to receive updates on events and campaigns.

3. Promote: Share information and raise awareness among friends and colleagues about the risks of oil.

• Use social media to spread news about the environmental impacts of oil, such as the spill of 10,000 tons of oil in the Mediterranean Sea in 2022.
• Organize informative meetings at workplaces or in local communities.

4. Act: Participate in marches, protests, and other awareness initiatives.

• The slow march in Lugano saw the participation of cross-border workers and residents, with a significant impact on local awareness.

Useful Tools

Cross-border workers can use tools like the CO2 emissions calculator to monitor their environmental impact and take measures to reduce it. Additionally, they can participate in recycling programs and use sustainable means of transport to reduce pollution.

• Operational Checklist:
• 📊 CO2 Calculator: Use the calculator to monitor monthly emissions.
• 💡 Recycling: Participate in recycling programs offered by municipalities, such as electronic waste recycling in Lugano.
• 🚆 Transport: Use public transport, such as the train for cross-border workers that connects Chiasso to Milan, reducing CO2 emissions by 30% compared to cars.

Conclusion

Awareness actions like those organized by 'act now!' in Lugano are fundamental to promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment. Cross-border workers can play an active role in these initiatives, contributing to a better future for everyone. Use the CO2 emissions calculator to monitor your environmental impact and take measures to reduce it.

'Sustainability is a collective commitment that requires the participation of everyone, especially cross-border workers who cross borders daily.' - A participant in the Lugano march

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

• Car vs. Train: A cross-border worker who uses a car for 50 km a day emits approximately 1,500 kg of CO2 per year. Switching to the train reduces emissions to 450 kg annually.
• Recycling: The recycling of electronic waste in Lugano allowed the recovery of over 10 tons of materials in 2023, reducing the environmental impact by 20%.

Regulations and Incentives

• CO2 Law: Switzerland introduced a CO2 law in 2020, which provides tax relief for those using sustainable means of transport.
• Municipal Incentives: The municipality of Mendrisio offers a contribution of 500 CHF for the purchase of electric bicycles, promoting sustainable mobility.

These steps and tools can help cross-border workers become key players in promoting a more sustainable environment.

Source: laregione.ch