Here is our list of frequently asked questions.Check our list of frequently asked questions to see if your question is already answered. If they still haven’t answered your questions, do write to our supporter care.
1. What is Greenpeace’s mission?
2. Why is Greenpeace opposed to genetic engineering?
Greenpeace opposes all releases of genetically Engineered organisms into the environment. Such organisms are being released without adequate scientific understanding of their impact on the environment and human health.This genetic pollution is a major threat because genetically engineered organisms cannot be recalled once released into the environment.
Governments are attempting to address this threat by international regulations such as the Biosafety Protocol.Because of commercial interests, the public is being denied the right to know about genetically engineered ingredients in the food chain, and the right to avoid them. Greenpeace advocates immediate interim measures such aslabelling of genetically engineered ingredients, and the segregation of genetically engineered crops from conventional ones.
While scientific progresson molecular biology has a great potential to increase our understanding of nature and provide new medical tools,it is no justification to turn the environment into a genetic experiment. Biological diversity must be protected and respected as the global heritage of humankind, and one of our world’s fundamental keys to survival.Greenpeace also opposes all patents on plants, animalsand humans,as well as patents on their genes.
Life is not an industrial commodity.When we force lifeforms and our world’s food supply to conform to human economic models rather than their natural ones, we do so at our own peril.You can read an introduction to the issue of genetic engineering and an explanation of some of the risks in our genetic engineering area.
You can find out more about our history, at our 30th Anniversary page.
If you want to read more, there are several good books about Greenpeace: “The Warriors of the Rainbow” by Robert Hunter, “Journey into the Bomb” by David McTaggart, and “The Greenpeace Story” by John May and Michael Brown. They can often be found at used book and auction sites such as Ebay, Amazon and Powells.
5. How did Greenpeace get started?
The founders of Greenpeace believed a few individuals could make a difference. Their mission was to “bear witness” to the USA’s underground nuclear testing at Amchitka in one of the world’s most earthquake-prone regions.A tiny island off the West Coast of Alaska, Amchitka was the last refuge for 3000 endangered sea otters, and home to bald eagles,peregrine falcons and other wildlife.Even though their old boat, the Phyllis Cormack, was intercepted before she got to Amchitka, the journey sparked a flurry of public interest. The US still detonated their bomb, but the voice of reason had been heard.Nuclear testing on Amchitka ended that same year, and the island was later declared a bird sanctuary.Today, Greenpeace is a global organisation that gives priority to campaigns that can be addressed on a global scale. Based in Amsterdam,Greenpeace has 2.8 million supporters worldwide, and national / regional offices in 41 countries.
6. Where does Greenpeace get its funding from?
8. Where can I find tips on how to lead a greener life/ how to make a difference?
9. There’s an environmental polluter in my town: what can I do about it?
Good luck: there’s No Time to Waste
10. I’m a student writing a report about an environmental problem. Can you send me information?
11. I’ve just witnessed a horrible mistreatment of an animal. What can I do?
12. How can I get a job with Greenpeace?
13. How can I help Greenpeace?
There arelots of ways you can help. You can find out about jobs with the organisation and with our national office sites. You can also contact your local Greenpeace office to find out if you can volunteer. You can become a financial supporter if you are not already.