Environmental Organizations: Friends Of The Earth, Greenpeace, Sierra Club, Environmental Defense And United Nations

The environment underlies just about every major issue of today, yet environmental justice is at the bottom of this government’s priorities. In fact, the world economy, disparities between social classes, and political disputes are a direct result of the exploitation of the planet’s natural resources. Regardless of where people stand politically, they have to agree that fossil fuels are as archaic and decrepit as the oil executives who promote them. More and more decisions, especially ecological decisions, are made behind closed doors. Fortunately, many environmental organizations are working hard to promote public education and sustainability.

Greenpeace is one of the most recognized environmental organizations on the planet. Established in 1971, Greenpeace has grown to include branches in over 30 countries. The organization is involved in many issues, especially protecting ancient forests in the Amazon and Alaska. One of their current campaigns, called “Kleercut,” is to hold Kleenex accountable for destroying ancient forests instead of using recycled paper to create tissue. They are involved with many other issues including global warming, energy conservation and ocean protection.

Friends of the Earth is one of the environmental organizations that has reached far around the globe in the name of protecting the natural world. Created in 1969 by David Brower, the organization has extended itself to over 70 countries and has founded the largest democratic coalition of environmental organizations known as Friends of the Earth International. Through their efforts, these environmental organizations have been able to halt the creation of 150 damaging dams and ban international whaling. These environmental organizations even assisted the United Nations in reforming the World Bank.

Like other environmental organizations, the Sierra Club has grassroots origins. As one of the United States’ oldest and largest environmental organizations, they have led the way in both promoting social and environmental ethics. The Sierra Club played a key role in the election of dozens of pro-environment candidates in the government in 2006.

The Environmental Defense is one of the more unique environmental organizations, because it works with corporations and government entities to find solutions to environmental problems. Created in 1967, this organization presents cost-effective solutions to corporations and relies on economic ingenuity to mobilize companies to embrace sustainable enterprises. Environmental Defense initiated the movement that led to California’s cap on greenhouse gases. This group worked with the state legislature to create a bill that will decrease emissions 25% by 2020.

Remaining hopeful about protecting the natural world can be difficult when the government clearly does not act in the best interests of the public. However, by donating time or money to these environmental organizations, the public can tell the government: In with the new, and out with the old and unsustainable.


Sources:
"A Few of Out Historic Results." Environmental Defense. 26 Dec. 2007. 15 Oct. 2007. http://www.environmentaldefense.org/page.cfm?tagID =9174.

"Kleercut." Greenpeace. 2007. 15 Oct. 2007. http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/campaigns/forests/kl eercut.
"Sierra Club’s Political Program." Sierra Club. 2007. 15 Oct. 2007. http://www.sierraclub.org/politics/.

"Who We Are." Friends of the Earth. 2007. 15 Oct. 2007. http://www.foe.org/about/whoweare.html.