Best Use Of Their Resources Greenpeace Australia example essay topic

Greenpeace is an independent organization campaigning to ensure a just, peaceful, sustainable environment for future generations. It began in Canada in 1971 and today has a presence in more than 40 countries with 2.4 million supporters worldwide. Greenpeace Australia was founded in 1977 and today we have more than 75,000 supporters. Prevent dangerous climate change by phasing out fossil fuels (oil, coal, gas) and replacing them with clean renewable energy such as solar. Use the 2000 Olympic Games to showcase and implement solutions to global environmental problems, including alternatives to toxic materials and renewable energy. Protect oceans from overfishing and establish a global whale sanctuary.

Protect the world's remaining old growth forests. Eliminate sources of dioxin and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including PVC, and ensure legislation to prevent toxic waste dumping. Protect future generations from the effects of nuclear contamination by ending the nuclear fuel cycle, stopping radioactive discharges and plutonium shipments. Protect biodiversity by opposing the privatisation and manipulation of the plant and animal gene pool. CyberactivistsMany Greenpeace supporters use the Internet to work with Greenpeace. Their website is an interactive source of information and action - by sending letters, faxes, emails - to support their campaignsFrontliner " 's Everyday more than 100 Greenpeace Frontline campaigners are on the streets of Australia talking to the public about their work and raising funds to enable it to continue.

Frontline develops important relationships with Greenpeace by recruiting long term supporters. Local Groups Greenpeace is establishing Local Group networks in all state capitals to support their key campaigns through the coordination of local events, and by applying public pressure through campaign activities such as letter writing. Local volunteers are an important resource for research and public education. Volunteers Greenpeace rely on volunteers to support their daily work.

They provide a vital role and are active in all areas of campaigning. Staff Currently Greenpeace employs 60 staff in Sydney, Canberra and the Pacific. Permanent positions are publicly advertised History / Achievements. 1971 After first Greenpeace action the US abandons its nuclear testing grounds at Amchitka, Alaska... 1975 France ends atmospheric nuclear tests in the Pacific after Greenpeace protests... 1979 Last Australian whaling station closed...

1982 Global whaling moratorium adopted by the International Whaling Commission... 1988 Following Greenpeace actions in the early 80's, a worldwide ban on incinerating waste at sea is agreed... 1989 United Nations moratorium on high seas large-scale driftnets is passed... 1990 Greenpeace Australia's Clean Waters campaign exposes coastal water pollution... 1991 The 39 Antarctic Treaty signatories agree to a 50-year minimum prohibition on all mineral exploitation, after Greenpeace establishes first non-government base there... 1993 France agrees to halt nuclear testing following Rainbow Warrior visit to the test zone...

1993 Greenpeace wins anonymous Sydney Olympic Village Design competition... 1993 Permanent ban on the dumping of radioactive and industrial wastes at sea adopted... 1994 Western Australian Government bans oil exploration around Ningal oo Reef... 1994 Basel Convention bans export of toxic waste from OECD to non-OECD countries...

1994 Antarctic Whale Sanctuary agreed by International Whaling Commission... 1995 Greenpeace lobbying leads NSW Parliament to pass first legislation in the world requiring electricity industry to meet greenhouse reductions targets... 1995 Shell UK reverses a decision to dump the Brent Spar oil rig in the Atlantic Ocean after Greenpeace occupies the rig for several weeks... 1995 France, UK, US, Russia and China commit to sign Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty... 1995 More than 150 nations agree to negotiate legally binding greenhouse gas reduction targets... 1996 First export to Australia of timber from a PNG community forestry operation certified under the Forest Stewardship Council system established with Greenpeace assistance...

1996 Green freeze fridges go into production in China, three years after Greenpeace commissions a prototype model in Germany... 1997 All species of Albatross found in Australian waters are listed on the Australian Endangered Species Act... 1997 Greenpeace lawyers assist in achieving largest settlement in PNG history for environmental damages caused by logging... 1997 First Greenpeace direct action in China stops unloading of illegal hazardous waste from Australia which is then shipped back... 1997 Greenpeace discovers and safely stores abandoned dioxin waste near the Olympic site.

NSW Government commits to clean up Homebush Bay before the 2000 Olympics... 1998 European Union bans the use of drift-nets... 1998 Logging giant MacMillan Blondel announces it will phase out clearcut logging in British Columbia... 1998 The Australian Government bans Japanese fishing vessels from within 200 miles of the Australian coast until there are agreed quotas for Southern Bluefin Tuna... 1998 Greenpeace Solar Kitchen visits 33 towns in five states in support of green power schemes. As a result, green power schemes become available in Victoria...

1999 Japan is ordered to stop 'experimental' fishing of Southern Bluefin Tuna by the International Law of the Sea Tribunal. There are many urgent environmental issues that need to be addressed. To ensure the best use of their resources Greenpeace Australia works with Greenpeace International to target campaigns that need global action. These include the impending threat of climate change and the loss of biodiversity. With limited resources we find that to focus on a small number of campaigns at any one time is the most effective way to achieve real change for the environment.

Financial Independence The voluntary donations of individuals are the backbone of Greenpeace fundraising. We refuse money from governments or corporations, leaving us wholly independent, free to protect the global commons and to expose environmental crimes. Non Violent Direct Action Greenpeace uses non violent direct action as a tool to stop environmental destruction at its source, to confront industry and force it to abandon destructive practices, and as a method to raise awareness, create urgency and apply pressure for change. We also use other campaigning methods to help industry help itself by developing safe, successful and profitable alternatives to existing destructive processes. Communication Greenpeace has always sought the best way to reach the widest audience and communicate t hier most urgent message - the environment needs action.

Greenpeace's very first crew included two journalists and a photographer. Today their ships are equipped with technology to beam instant satellite images around the world, and their websites make Greenpeace news available to all. At the end of the 1970's the world was fired by a vision for a green and peaceful planet. Greenpeace had used the ship, Phyllis Cormack, to achieve its first aim - to stop nuclear testing on the Aleutian Island of Amchitka. Greenpeace ships' voyages to Moruroa had driven French nuclear tests underground, activists had placed themselves before the harpoons of Russian, Icelandic and Australian whalers, and shielded harp seal pups, being hunted for their downy white fur. To this day Greenpeace activists continue to put themselves on the front line of environmental destruction between the hunter and the hunted.

A global voice calling for clean air, clean water and a safe future - for all life on earth.