2023 Green Organizations RISHI SHARMA STUDENT ID: 041091927 Organization: Greenpeace International Introduction: Greenpeace International is a global environmental organization that aims to protect and conserve the environment and promote peace. Its main goal is to solve numerous environmental problems like climate change, deforestation, overfishing, pollution, and nuclear power in order to move towards a sustainable future. The non-violent direct action campaigns, lobbying work, and research projects of Greenpeace are well-known. The organization's values include independence, non-violence, bearing witness, and peaceful confrontation. Activities and Impact: Renewable Energy Advocacy: Greenpeace actively promotes the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. They advocate for the creation and application of clean energy technologies like geothermal, solar, and wind energy. Their initiatives have contributed to increasing awareness of the value of renewable energy in preventing climate change and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Governments, companies, and communities have adopted renewable energy laws and investments as a result of Greenpeace's lobbying. This transition to renewable energy helps to clean up the air, protect the environment, and get us closer to a sustainable energy future. Forest Conservation: In all of the world's initiatives to protect forests, Greenpeace has been at the forefront. They work to stop illicit logging, deforestation, and other harmful activities in vital forest ecosystems. Greenpeace has revealed illegal logging operations and compelled businesses and governments to use sustainable forest management techniques through investigations, advocacy, and partnerships with regional communities. Their initiatives have helped to prevent climate change, safeguard the rights of indigenous people, and preserve biodiverse forests. Conservation of forests aids in preserving the ecosystems that support local residents' livelihoods and supply clean air and water. Ocean Protection: Greenpeace has taken a leading role in campaigns to safeguard marine ecosystems and stop overfishing. They carry out investigations, reveal harmful fishing methods, and promote the creation of marine protected areas. The decline of fish stocks and the effects of industrial fishing on marine ecosystems have received significant attention thanks in large part to Greenpeace. They have helped to promote the adoption of sustainable fishing techniques and the preservation of marine biodiversity by exerting pressure on governments, fishing corporations, and retailers. These initiatives improve the resilience and health of the oceans, provide fishing communities with sustainable livelihoods, and guarantee the availability of seafood for coming generations. Impact on Human Health and Well-being: The green activities undertaken by Greenpeace International have significant impacts on human health. Here are some ways in which their actions contribute to human well-being: Air Quality Improvement: The promotion of renewable energy sources and the lowering of greenhouse gas emissions by Greenpeace aids in the improvement of air quality. Pollutants such particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur dioxide are released during the combustion of fossil fuels and are a major cause of air pollution and respiratory illnesses. By promoting clean energy sources and pushing for the phase-out of fossil fuels, Greenpeace helps reduce air pollution and improve the respiratory health of communities. Protection from Toxic Chemicals: Greenpeace's campaigns against dangerous substances are intended to safeguard human health from their negative consequences. They support the removal of harmful materials from waste streams, industrial processes, and consumer items. Greenpeace contributes to a decrease in exposure to dangerous chemicals that can have negative effects on human health, such as reproductive issues, developmental disorders, and some types of cancer, by forcing businesses and governments to adopt safer alternatives and tougher restrictions. Reduction of Plastic Pollution: The impact of Greenpeace's anti-plastic pollution campaigns on human health. Microplastics, which are created as plastic garbage in oceans and waterways degrades, can eventually find their way into human bodies via ingesting seafood and drinking water. Microplastics can also infiltrate the food chain. Greenpeace works to lessen these health hazards and provide a better environment for communities by bringing attention to the dangers of plastic pollution and putting pressure on businesses and governments to minimise their usage of plastic. Protection of Indigenous and Vulnerable Communities: Greenpeace's work to protect forests, oceans, and biodiversity often intersects with the rights and well-being of indigenous and vulnerable communities. Greenpeace supports the livelihoods and cultural well-being of these people by fighting for the protection of natural environments and the acknowledgment of indigenous land rights. Their general health and resilience are impacted by protecting their access to food, clean water, and traditional practises. Personal Reflection: I chose to research Greenpeace International because of its longstanding commitment to environmental protection and its significant global impact. I understand the value of protecting the environment for coming generations and reducing the effects of climate change. The work of Greenpeace motivates me to take action in my own life by lowering my carbon footprint, supporting businesses that use sustainable practises, and giving to groups that promote environmental improvement. Each of us must accept accountability for our deeds and make ethical decisions in our daily lives. We can all work together to build a more sustainable and healthier planet by consuming less energy, producing less trash, promoting renewable energy sources, and increasing knowledge of environmental issues. Additionally, we may have a greater impact and effect positive change on a bigger scale by participating in local environmental efforts and supporting groups like Greenpeace. References: Introduction. Greenpeace Canada. https://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/ Wikimedia Foundation. (2023, June 2). Activities and Impact. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenpeace Impact on Human Health. Greenpeace - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/greenpeace