Raise Awareness (DP IB Geography) : Revision Note

Greenpeace

• Growing from a small group in Canada to a worldwide force since 1971, Greenpeace is a good example of powerful, committed activism

• It's a leader in environmental action and has 25 regional offices operating in 55 countries

• Greenpeace has been a leader in marine protection for a long time

• Their fights against harmful fishing, plastic waste, and oil drilling have changed laws and made people more aware of these issues

• Greenpeace's reports on illegal logging, especially in fragile ecosystems like the Amazon, have made businesses rethink their supply chains and start using more environmentally friendly methods

• Greenpeace has done more than just lobby for renewable energy

• They have helped fund studies into these solutions, which has forced countries to rethink their energy plans

Shell Oil, Niger Delta

• Water pollution in the Niger Delta is serious due to oil spills from pipeline operations

• This kills fish and reduces fish stocks for the Ogoni people (occupants of the Niger Delta), who are mainly fishermen and farmers

• Destroying the land puts pressure on their source of food and income to meet their socio-economic needs

• Some have accused Shell of ecocide; destruction of the natural environment by deliberate or negligent human action

• Shell ceased production in Ogoniland in the face of public protests in 1993

• Although not actively operating, Shell's equipment hasn't been decommissioned or dismantled

• Shell's own data from shows roughly 250 oils spills occur each year in the Niger Delta

Amnesty International

• Because it fights for human rights, Amnesty International has always shed light on the worst parts of society

• Since its start in 1961, it has used thorough studies to show wrongdoing and bring people around the world together

Changes and Actions

• Amnesty's campaigns for prisoners of conscience have freed many people from unfair prison sentences, showing how powerful global unity can be

• Their fight against torture has led to international agreements and stricter tracking systems that stop it

• Amnesty's efforts have been important in advancing women's rights around the world, fighting against unfair laws, and bringing attention to violence against women

Bodo, Niger Delta

• After years of work, Amnesty was able to help 15,600 farmers and fishermen get justice

• Shell revealed a £55 million settlement to help people put their lives and jobs back together after two big oil spills in 2008 and 2009

• The fight to clean up the environment is ongoing