{"id":51396,"date":"2013-05-23T11:40:00","date_gmt":"2013-05-22T23:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/aotearoa\/?p=51396"},"modified":"2024-07-12T15:35:32","modified_gmt":"2024-07-12T03:35:32","slug":"a-time-for-civil-disobedience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/aotearoa\/story\/a-time-for-civil-disobedience\/","title":{"rendered":"A time for civil disobedience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The tradition of civil disobedience is being\u00a0reignited. The need is growing and the call to action is becoming impossible to ignore! Non-violent direct action can help re-establish a balance where our rights have been overtaken by the self interest of powerful economic elites, willing to sacrifice our children\u2019s future for their short term gain and profit.<\/p>\n\n

Peaceful acts of civil disobedience have been at the heart of many major struggles humanity has fought over the past several decades: the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, the Civil Rights movement in the US and Gandhi\u2019s fight against British colonial rule in India, to mention just a few examples.<\/p>\n\n

Imagine a world without civil disobedience and non-violent direct action. If that\u2019s too abstract and difficult to imagine, try this: imagine a world where women still can\u2019t vote, where racial segregation and institutionalised discrimination still rule, imagine brutal colonial dominance and extreme inequity and social injustice across the globe.  And while in some places we have to look to the past to find such outrageous examples of injustice and inequality, let’s not  forget that there are still many places where such disturbing realities remain the norm to this day.<\/p>\n\n

Actions do speak louder than words and actions are needed now more than ever given the threat that our planet is facing as a result of rampant environmental and social exploitation.<\/p>\n\n

Civil disobedience and direct action are at the heart of what we do here at Greenpeace, part of our heritage and history, our destiny and mission. Civil disobedience does not require heroes \u2013 it only takes decent men and women to say \u2018enough is enough\u2019. While with Greenpeace, I have taken direct action in the freezing waters of the Arctic Ocean twice. I have climbed oil rigs to represent the voice and concerns of millions of people saying that Arctic drilling is madness and must be stopped. I have even spent time in jail for this \u2013 but the fight is not over, and I will continue to support the\u00a0Save the Arctic\u00a0movement to stop Big Oil\u2019s irresponsible ambitions. But this is about more than just stopping Big Oil; it\u2019s about creating a world in which future generations can thrive, a world that is peaceful, just and equitable.<\/p>\n\n

\"\"
Greenpeace International Executive Director Kumi Naidoo (C) and (from L to R) climbers Germany’s Lars Konnertz, 29, Jens Loewe, 43, U.S. Basil Tsimoyianis, 25, Sini Saarela, 30 from Finland and Terry Christenson, 64 from Canada. The group is posing for a picture on board Arctic Sunrise just a few days before taking action on Gazprom Prirazlomnaya oil drilling platform. Russian energy giant Gazprom looks set to begin full commercial drilling operations by early next year, becoming the first ever company to start commercial oil production in the offshore Arctic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Civil disobedience seems to penetrate the consciousness of our political leaders much more than other methods. The public pressure that comes from civil disobedience can tilt public opinion and re-establish the balance between people power and the deep wallets of private companies sacrificing long-term environmental considerations for short-term profits. Political leaders can realise that they need to listen \u2013 if not because it\u2019s the right thing to do, at least for fear of losing their mandates and positions.<\/p>\n\n

A big thank you to all activists out there advancing the environmental cause, whether it\u2019s fighting to bring justice to local communities in Nigeria suffering from Shell oil spills or stopping the Keystone XL pipeline in the US! Civil disobedience momentum is building \u2013 but much more is needed to avert catastrophic climate change and environmental destruction and degradation. Please join me and take action too!

Kumi Naidoo is the Executive Director at Greenpeace International.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The tradition of civil disobedience is being\u00a0reignited. The need is growing and the call to action is becoming impossible to ignore! 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