‘(It is) important to look after our world and donate to a cause which really affects us all’

Yesterday, Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin announced that he has partnered with environmental charity One Tree Planted in a move to support the green movement and raise awareness on climate issues.

In an Instagram post, the vegan sportsperson wrote: “For every @Arsenal game we win this season I will plant 3,000 trees to help combat the carbon emissions issues we have.”

He even encouraged his followers to get involved in planting more trees.

Bellerin has often thrown his weight behind environmental causes and regularly speaks on climate change and single plastic use. His recent endeavor is to draw attention to a recent study, which states that over 4,500 acres of forest are cleared every hour causing catastrophic implications on wildlife, ecosystems, and weather patterns.

‘Important for the world’

One Tree Planted was founded in 2014 to help individuals and businesses to give back to the environment, create a healthier climate, protect biodiversity and help reforestation efforts around the world.

Speaking about partnering with the charity, Bellerin said: “As a child growing up in Barcelona, I spent a lot of my time with my Grandad in his garden planting trees and playing in forests so it’s an issue very close to my heart.

“When I saw the great work that One Tree Planted do, not just the planting of the trees but within the communities as well, I knew it was something that I wanted to get involved in.

“I hope that by doing this and using my platform, others will see how important it is to look after our world and donate to a cause which really affects us all.”

Making an impact

Acknowledging Bellerin’s pledge, Diana Chaplin, canopy director of One Tree Planted, said: “It’s great to know that there are champions for the environment in the sports world.

“Hector’s passion for nature goes beyond words to make a real impact on the ground and help us plant trees where they’re needed most.

“This will have a lasting benefit for people, nature, and wildlife for many years to come.”

Contributing to save the planet, isn’t the only charitable thing the Spaniard has done recently. In March, he helped raise £100,0000 to help fight coronavirus and also expressed his solidarity with the Black Lives matter Movement.

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