Greenpeace and the 21st century Environmentalism Essay

In todays expanding and growing existence in local anesthetic economies, wonderive(a) technological changes and improvements admit been happening that have been an eventful catalyst towards development. However, fit to these innovations that shape human lives is a threat that critics have often attributed as a setback for development. These are societal and environmental problems deemed to be a vital cause of concern as evidence and manifestations have been appearing more rapidly. But amongst these two problems, integrity important facet has been affected the most the environment.With the rebellion ch all(prenominal)enges that man faces with the environment, confused assemblys have stood up and started to make a stand towards environmental degradation. An example of much(prenominal) administrations is parklandpeace. The organization has continually lobbied for legislation as it tries to create law-binding solutions and increased awareness with the overall aim of environ mental sustainability. This, in turn, has sparked a new phase of social, political and economic concern, which was later coined environmentalism. With all of these, it crapper be argued that since its inception, Greenpeace has adopted a role towards creating environmental awareness and safeguard. It has continuously been adapting towards the betterment of some(prenominal) global and local societies. In the end, as new issues and challenges emerge, the organization is committed towards adjusting and administering proper avenues for change. Prior to 1960s, the drive for environmentalism has been a squirting star and occurred at a minimal level.Boston go off argues that until the late 1960s, much (not all) of environmental tribute in the United States occurred via private law suits and judge-made common law (p. 1). However, this aim proved to be bleached and limiting as it created temporary solutions and non-accountable judicial bodies. (Boston Review) Since the conception of Greenpeace in 1971, the period has been classified to be an important era for environmentalism as recognizable and large scale changes started to take place. Various legislating bodies across the States have agnised the importance maintaining and preserving the environment for future exploitation and usage.Moreover, the system during this time was more accountable in taking responsibility of actions and democratic in nature by providing fair and equal prep of processes, which greatly improved the bulge outcome of various decision making and regularization among concerned groups. Boston Review mentions that between 1970 and the present, much (not all) of environmental protection has occurred via a remarkably ambitious, complex, and cumbersome system of national regulation (p. 1). Defining EnvironmentalismBefore dwelling further on the contributions of Greenpeace towards local and international societies, one must find out at the focal and origination of the organizations endeav ors environmentalism. To fully grasp such concept one must be able to define the parameters and evolution of environmentalism and link it towards how Greenpeace operates. Looking at the concept, one can define environmentalism to be the goal towards preservation of the natural environment. However, since its conception, the term has reached out in various field and areas that made the term dynamic and continuously evolving.Tao of Prosperity points out that in defining environmentalism, we must recognize that it is not a monolithic movement (p. 1). With all of these, it can be argued that the term environmentalism takes a holistic approach and embraces various dimensions and norms in society and therefore creating a balanced approach. Bidinotto stipulates that environmentalism conception is the view that everything in nature exists in a perfectly harmonious balancea balance ever menace by the activities of Man (p.1) This means that the environmental movement has been moving toward s the creation of better practices on the tush of experiences learned in the process of harmonizing and interaction with society. It is in here that they form their own respective views and points out what needs to be done. The Strands of Environmentalism Since its initial creation, the term environmentalism has evolved into various forms and various strands of the movements have been seen in the years. Though these groups exchange in their thoughts, their contribution and mindset remains to be united and aimed towards one goal but various substitutes of practice.Looking at it, these facets have been credited as hues of environmentalism. Examples of these groups include (1) dark greens, (2) light green and (3) ingenious green environmentalism. The first strand deals with the belief of dark green environmentalism. The ideals of this strand are extreme in nature and are unwilling to compromise their objectives among other groups or organizations. Environment Support mentions that Dark special K have a more radical point of view, believing that we need to change our worldview drastically in order to be in harmony with the earth (p. 1).Moreover, the philosophy of the group revolves around the concept that all living things have the same right to live and lucubrate (Environmental Support). The second strand deals with twinkle Green environmentalism. Compared to Dark Greens, this people advocate a lesser way of promoting environmental security. Looking at their beliefs, Light Greens believe that belief that all living things have the same right to live and flourish (Environmental Support). In addition, these groups propose reforms to important movers of society by cooperating and bargaining towards changes.Also, the promoters of this strand look to have a positive relationship with the conventional ideologies. Environmental Support points out that environmentalism should not be approached as a separate ideology but as something that needs greater importance within political schools of thought like conservatism, socialism, and liberalism (p. 1) The last strand involves a new approach towards environmentalism. The Bright Greens, which was coined in 2003, seeks to promote a new outlook of the concept towards the future.(Environmental Support) Seeing the current developments in todays society, the group seeks to gravel the positive effects of technological innovations and apply it to the environment. Environmental Support mentions that the process can be achieved by using new technology, improved and modified designs of products, plus eco-communities and sustainable lifestyles (p. 1). Furthermore, the supporters of this claim argues that by using alternative measures backed up by technology such as renewable energy, biotechnology and nanotechnologies, environmentalism is achieved.In the end, the group favors advancement and progress but with responsibility and taking into consideration the environment. Looking at this, there is a need to adopt disseminate-source models of information exchange, so ideas and innovation can grow and be shared out and develop as fast as possible (Tao of Prosperity). This means that environmentalist must continuously open communication lines so as better sharing of information necessary for change can be possible. Linking Greenpeace and the strands Environmentalism by and by pointing out the relevant hues of environmentalism, it is better to point where Greenpeace can be associated with. The formation of Greenpeace is a response towards the clamor for environmental protection and security. Moreover, it is an activism in its organizational form a grouping of individuals who fight for one common goal. Looking at the facets of each strand, the organization can be associated with the Light Green Environmentalism. Greenpeace creates avenues of cooperation among various organizations and governments to create a consensus towards creating better outcomes for the environment.Environmental Sup port mentions that the groups belonging to this category are Greenpeace, Sierra Club, and Friends of the worldly concern (p. 1) However, Greenpeace has gradually been diversifying and adopting a different environmentalist approach (Bright Green) while retaining important and valuable objectives of environmentalism. Take for example, the face of the regional office of Greenpeace in USA. Many scholars attribute their current programs and schemes aimed at the balance of the three hues of environmentalism. Shaiko argues that Greenpeace U. S. A.exhibits characteristics of both and new social movements and is thus classified as an organizational hybrid (88). Quoting Eyerman and Jamison, both argued that Greenpeace is environmentalist because nates its non-ideological profile lies a continuation of the basics of environmental cosmology that modern societies have reached the limits of growth, that the consumption of resources has reached desperate and crisis proportions and that there i s a need for fundamental social change if society is to survive (114) II. Tracing the grow GreenpeaceThe beginnings of Greenpeace began during the time when there was a renowned interest in testing nuclear weapons. The story of the organization begins in 1971 when activists sailed towards a destination where nuclear testing was taking place Amchitka. Greenpeace International mentions that Amchitka was the last prophylactic for 3000 endangered sea otters, and home to bald eagles, peregrine falcons and other wildlife (p. 1) Greenpeace International mentions that in 1971, motivated by their vision of a green and peaceful world, a small team of activists set sail from Vancouver, Canada, in an old fishing boat.These activists, the founders of Greenpeace, believed a few individuals could make a difference (p. 1) Looking at it, the relevancy of Amchitka was indeed important in the point of activists. This is because the event proved to be a catalyst towards the creation of the organizati on and a plight to stop nuclear testing at a far greater level. Though the nuclear testing took place on the same year and the team of Dorothy and Irving Stowe, Marie and Jim Bohlen, Ben and Dorothy Metcalfe, and Bob hunter were prevented from arriving in the island it raised international clamors seeking its protection.After such, an international organization Greenpeace, was founded and recruited millions of followers. The Rainbow Warrior One important sentiment of Greenpeaces history is its prized ship the Rainbow Warrior. According to Greenpeace International it was renamed Rainbow Warrior after the Warriors in a North American Cree Indian prophecy When the world is sick and dying, the people will rise up like Warriors of the Rainbow (p. 1). It is a symbolism of the first collaborative effort by members towards one particular objective.Also, it is a significant symbol towards the organizations commitment towards worldwide consensus to protect and save the environment. Their f irst efforts were to sail towards Iceland and advocate the abolishment of commercial whaling. (Greenpeace International) After that, the Rainbow Warrior has been associated as an instrument for environmentalism. Though it was bombed in 1985 allegedly by the French Government due to its contributions towards pressuring the bring up against nuclear testing, the spirit that it carried was always part of the organization.(Greenpeace International) Currently, the new Rainbow Warrior is a manifestation of old traditions of the organization and a mixture of new environmental friendly technological developments a symbol of Greenpeace past and present. Greenpeace International mentions that it is besides a showcase of environmentally friendly technologies including solar panels for hot water, a specially designed fuel-saving lead-in/motor propulsion system, and a recycling system for engine heat (p. 1) Core Values and buildingFor any organization to function according to their objective s and goals, one must have a firm foundation of structure and core determine. With regards to Greenpeace, their foundation and values are structured heavily on environmental protection and democracy. Greenpeace International mentions that in developing our campaign strategies and policies we take great care to reflect our fundamental respect for democratic principles and to seek solutions that will promote global social equity (p. 1)Looking closely, the core values of the organization revolve on the following (1) bear witness to environmental destruction in a peaceful, non-violent manner, (2) use non-violent confrontation to raise the level and quality of public debate, (3) exposing threats to the environment and finding solutions we have no permanent allies or adversaries, (4) ensure our financial independence from political or commercial interests and (5) seek solutions for, and promote open, informed debate about societys environmental choices (Greenpeace International).