Bill Richardson

Towering at dizzying heights above the ground, Bill Richardson definitely has a viewpoint of the world that most of us do not. In 1992, Bill climbed the Sears Tower in Chicago as part of an anti-nuclear action protesting 50 years of nuclear power and weaponry. He followed up that action with another one in 1995, climbing a nuclear plant cooling tower on the 50th Anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki. Bill embodies environmental activism and speaks truth to power.  

Bill has been working at Greenpeace for 20 years and has worn just about every hat the organization has to offer. He started right out of college in the Greenpeace canvassing department. It didn’t take long for Bill to earn his stripes and move up the organizational ladder. “I feel that it’s a privilege to work at Greenpeace,” Bill says. 

As Deputy Director, Bill ensures that Greenpeace remains an effective organization. He sees global warming as the great issue of our time. “People are finally understanding the urgency of it. But it’s still very conceptual to them,” Bill explains. He believes the upcoming challenge for Greenpeace is to get people to relate to global warming on an emotional level.  

 

Bill is an optimist, however, and is confident a global warming victory is on the horizon. “There is so much momentum right now,” comments Bill. The science is finally accepted and the technology to solve it is available—Bill is now eager for the U.S. and the world to have the political will to make a difference.  

 

Bill enjoys seeing new faces at Greenpeace and is proud of the talented, smart people he works with day in and day out. “We’re on the verge of a very momentous period,” says Bill. “I think it’s an opportunity for all of us to be a part of history." 

Bill views Greenpeace as the heart and conscience of the environmental movement. “We will be the emotional connection, the inspiration, getting people involved,” he reflects. 

 

If Greenpeace plays that role in the community—then Bill plays that role within Greenpeace. He inspires others and is a role model for so many. 

Bill Richardson holds a political science degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College.