Issue 154

A crash course in... Greenpeace

12th March 2007

Greenpeace is an international renowned Non Government Organisation (NGO) that is dedicated to the promotion of environmentally friendly action by states and corporations around the globe. Formed in Vancouver in 1971, Greenpeace has scarcely left the headlines since. Despite being formed in North America, Greenpeace has found most of its successes lie in Europe, where most of its members live, and as a result where most of its revenue from membership fees comes from.

Greenpeace first gained recognition after intercepting a Soviet whaling fleet in 1975, with members placing their small boat between the Soviet ships and fleeing whales. When TV footage of the Soviet ships firing harpoons over the Greenpeace boat at the whales was broadcast around the world the group found fame, being regarded by many as righteous and others as crazy.

Of special note is the Greenpeace fleet of seven ships used to protest around the world. The flagship of the private fleet, the Rainbow Warrior II, replaced the original Rainbow Warrior which was sunk in 1985 on orders from the French government.

Greenpeace had been protesting against French nuclear testing, and whilst in port in New Zealand it was sunk by two bombs placed by French special forces. Unfortunately, the operation was botched, resulting in the death of the Dutch photographer Fernando Pereira. France later publicly apologised for the act, and paid large sums in compensation to the New Zealand government, and the family of the photographer.

Along with the Rainbow Warrior II, the Greenpeace fleet also operates The MV Arctic Sunrise, The MV Esperanza, The Argos and the The Beluga II.

One of the primary concerns at the moment for Greenpeace is, unsurprisingly, global warming, along with the preservation of the world's forests, oceans and wildernesses. Whilst many would dismiss it as simply another group of ecowarriors, Greenpeace has managed to obtain some notable successes over the past few decades. One of these was the international ban on atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons, along with managing to get the whole continent of Antartica designated as a global park, meaning that the continent can only be used for scientific research and banning any commercial use or pollution.

Dan Shaw