Issuu

Volume 25 No. 2 Fall/Winter 2023

magazine

Diving Deep to Protect the Planet greenpeace.ca

IN THIS ISSUE…

SHOWING UP

SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT:

Over the past year we’ve seen the climate crisis affect almost every corner of Canada, and beyond. From historic forest fires—and the smoke that they brought—to devastating flash flooding, monumental heatwaves and spontaneous tornados: there’s no denying that these are scary times, particularly for the people and communities who are at greatest threat of experiencing such disasters.

Meet a crafty supporter who is knitting for the planet

PROTECTING NATURE:

Defending the world’s oceans from deep sea mining 4-5

INVESTIGATIONS:

The impact and role of research in Greenpeace campaigns 6-8

CLIMATE JUSTICE:

A faith-based approach to environmental stewardship

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Meet Ginger Gosnell-Myers, Greenpeace Canada’s new Board Chair

SUPPORTER CARE:

Meet one of our volunteers, and learn how you can get involved 11

DID YOU KNOW... Moose can dive up to 19.6 feet (6 m) to reach plants at the bottom of rivers and lakes.

It’s difficult to witness the destruction of our planet, to see the impacts of the climate crisis unfolding before our eyes. It’s tough to push back against powerful interests that prioritize profit over people and the health of our ecosystems. But we can overcome this. We can do this by listening to those on the frontlines of the climate crisis and showing up for those who have been displaced and are suffering. We must hold big polluters accountable for their harm, and we cannot let this crisis become normalized. We must take action, even while we’re adapting. As you flip through this edition of the Greenpeace Magazine, you’ll find examples of how we’ve been showing up for people and the planet, whether it’s by working to save vulnerable communities and ecosystems from deep sea mining, investigating big polluters to hold them accountable and ignite change, or reflecting on the importance of environmental action on a spiritual plane. You’ll also be introduced to a dedicated volunteer, a creative supporter who knits conversation-starting scarves and hats, as well as Greenpeace Canada’s brilliant new Board Chair, Ginger Gosnell-Myers. At Greenpeace Canada, we’re not only committed to finding solutions and challenging the status quo, but also to amplifying the voices of those often marginalized in the struggle for environmental justice. So let’s show up for each other. Let’s harness our collective power, our resilience and our unwavering determination. Let’s support and listen to each other, and continue to refuse to accept a world that’s anything less than green, safe and peaceful.

Lagi Toribau Interim Executive Director, Greenpeace Canada

Greenpeace Magazine is published biannually. Greenpeace is an international organization whose primary purpose is to take action to protect the environment and promote peace.

We are immune to political and corporate pressure because we don’t take donations from governments, corporations, or political parties. We rely solely on support from people like you in order to conduct our campaigns around the world. To learn more about Greenpeace, visit greenpeace.ca or call 1-800-320-7183.

@ Greenpeace

In solidarity,

On the cover: A deep sea scyphozoan jellyfish in the White Sea, Russia. © Alexander Semenov

33 Cecil Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1N1 454, avenue Laurier Est, Montréal, QC H2J 1E7

SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT

KNITTING FOR CHANGE By Claire Warmels, Communications Officer

A couple of months ago, Janie was struck with an exciting idea. She’d recently read Greta Thunberg’s book, Our House is on Fire, was aware of the growing urgency of the climate crisis, and understood that while individual action in the face of this crisis is important, we are stronger when we act together. A hat and a scarf that Janie made for her Greenpeace fundraiser.

“Even if I reduce my own greenhouse gas emissions by eating only plants from my garden, recycling, composting and cycling, it makes no difference if I’m the only one doing it. I decided that I should do more to inform as many people as possible about the situation.” So Janie devised a plan. She used one of her favourite hobbies—knitting!—to create striped scarves and toques, evoking the iconic “warming stripes” graphic showing global temperature trends over the last 172 years, and offered them in exchange for donations to Greenpeace, knowing they’d also serve as conversation starters for her friends and family. Through her fundraiser, Janie

Janie Bertrand is a 41-yearold, multilingual translator who lives in Ottawa. She loves getting outside to cycle, swim, and garden, and appreciates a quiet moment to knit and read about permaculture and climate solutions.

Janie Bertrand wears one of her knits in her garden.

raised over $500 for Greenpeace Canada’s campaigns to preserve biodiversity, deliver climate action, and protect the oceans! When asked about her experience running her own Greenpeace fundraiser, Janie said: “I loved the fundraising experience. It allowed me to enjoy one of my favourite hobbies and feel that I was doing something useful for the planet. The most rewarding part has been all the discussions that this project enabled me to start with those closest to me. I now know how important protecting the environment is to them, and about all the little things they’re doing on their own. It’s really inspiring! It’s worth the effort.” Inspiring indeed! When people come together to care for the planet, we create a ripple effect that makes the world a better place.

Because Because you’re you’re sad. sad. you’re sad. Because Because Because you’re you’re mad. mad. you’re mad. Because Because Because of of the the children, children, andchildren, the the children’s children’s children. children. Because of and the and the children’s children. Because Because carbon carbon kills, kills, forests forests burn and plastics plastics never die. die. Because carbonburn kills,and forests burnnever and plastics never die. Because Because too too many many people people still say, say, don’t don’tstill worry. worry. Because too still many people say, don’t worry. Because Because we we love love this this place. place. Because we love this place.

What’s What’s your yourWhat’s reason reasonyour for for starting starting aa starting a reason for fundraiser fundraiser for for Greenpeace? Greenpeace? fundraiser for Greenpeace? Tell Tell us us and and get get started started at at because.greenpeace.ca because.greenpeace.ca Tell us and get started at because.greenpeace.ca Fall/Winter 2023

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PROTECTING NATURE

Greenpeace Canada activists lit up Ottawa’s Maple Island with a giant LED octopus holding a “Stop Deep Sea Mining!” banner and a speech bubble above reading “Protégez ma maison, ministre Joly!”.

RACING TO STOP DEEP SEA MINING By Sarah King, Head of Oceans & Plastics

A few thousand metres below the ocean’s surface, in the darkness of the deep sea, lie unique mineral formations that have sparked serious extraction envy from a number of mining companies. But pursuing this interest would mean launching a new and dangerous extractive industry: deep sea mining. These minerals are known as polymetallic nodules and are roughly the size of potatoes. They’re jam packed with sought-after metals—including cobalt, copper, manganese and nickel—that have formed over millions of years on the seabed. The reason they’re in such demand is because they’re used in electronics, such as smartphones and electric vehicles. With dollar signs in their eyes, mining companies are determined to scoop up these nodules at the bottom of the sea, despite the growing opposition and warnings about the likely irreparable harm this would have on vulnerable and unique ecosystems there, and far beyond their mining sites. 5,000 reasons to protect biodiversity We’re in the early days of scientific study when it comes to the deep sea, and there’s still so little we know about this part of the ocean. But a recent survey of the 6 km2 4

Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) between Mexico and Hawaii that the industry wants to mine has revealed more than 5,000 species that were previously unknown. In fact, only six of the species found have been seen anywhere else in the world. At a depth of 4,000 to 5,500 m below the surface, the CCZ is characterized by abyssal plains and hills, a flatter and rolling seafloor environment; seamounts, which are underwater mountains; and fracture zones. Because it’s so deep, dark and cold, everything moves slowly. Ten centimetres of sediment takes about a thousand years to accumulate. Species take longer to grow and reproduce. As a result, the environment is very stable with little disturbance. But despite previous thoughts that there is little life in the depths, these ecosystems often have high species diversity, meaning many different species can be found living in any given area. We are only just beginning to discover what life is like down there! Neocolonialism at work And it’s not just the ecosystems on the bottom of the sea that would be harmed. Deep sea mining is a form of colonialism. It perpetuates the legacy of colonial exploitation in the Pacific, and

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Volume 25 No. 2

Beyond the obvious affront to Indigenous rights and opinions on deep sea mining, this new industry will threaten the livelihoods and food security of Pacific communities. Ways of life, cultural connections to place, traditional rights and knowledge, and more are at risk. As global governments consider how high these stakes are, it’s imperative that they choose a path that will protect cultures and communities—which cannot be monetized— from big industry. Indigenous leaders representing 56 groups from 34 countries, including communities in Canada, have publicly called for a total ban on the industry. They are joined by industry investors and companies, hundreds of scientists, seafood industry groups, and a growing public movement of supporters that have also expressed opposition to the industry proceeding. Is mining imminent? Thirty-one exploration contracts covering 1.5 million km² of the world’s seabed have been set aside for a new frontier of industrial extraction. The International Seabed Authority (ISA)—the body that regulates the seabed in areas beyond the jurisdiction of any one country— issued the exploration licenses but hasn’t agreed on commercial deep sea mining regulations. Unfortunately, the ISA is allowing companies to file for mining applications, but as of August (when this article was written) mining companies haven’t yet been given the green light to mine. It’s clear that the majority of countries within the ISA don’t want deep sea mining to begin in the absence of regulations, and more and more countries are asking to halt proceedings until there is more certainty about the impact of this new industry. Regulations are set to be completed by 2025, and we’re determined to not let that mark the beginning of deep sea mining. OhMG, Canada! In Canada, we set out to get the federal government to support a moratorium on deep sea mining—something we’ve been calling on global governments to champion at the ISA for years. And after hard work and determination from our allies and our team, the federal government joined 17 other countries calling for a halt to deep sea mining either in the form of a precautionary Fall/Winter 2023

involves the extraction of resources without consent from Indigenous Peoples or regard for their cultural connection to the Pacific Ocean and long history in the region. This is particularly concerning given the history of exploitation and marginalization that Pacific nations have experienced at the hands of colonial powers, and the ongoing struggles for decolonization and self-determination in the region.

A deep water jellyfish. This specimen was collected by an ROV at 2,100 m depth in the Gulf of Mexico, 2019.

pause, moratorium, or outright ban. Three federal ministers, led by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, released a joint statement reflecting the government’s support across relevant departments. This was a critically important step for Canada—who has an influential position in the ISA—and aligned with the statement the ISA released earlier this year announcing an effective moratorium in Canada’s territorial waters. By the time the July ISA meetings wrapped up, 21 countries had called for a halt. From scientists to financiers, the fishing sector to big corportations like Google, the wave of opposition continues to swell, and the mining industry has never been under more scrutiny. But the work of Canada and other opposing governments is far from done. We’ll be urging the federal government to remain steadfast as governments negotiate next steps and champion ocean protection, in keeping with Canada’s global biodiversity and climate goals. Defending the deep Beyond the immediate impact this new industry would bring, the oceans are already under extreme pressure, and are severely threatened by overfishing and the climate crisis. Oceans are integral to life on Earth: not only are they home to thousands of species, they absorb and store carbon, and provide a livelihood and food security for more than 3 billion people. It is imperative that we allow ocean life the opportunity to recover, thrive and be resilient in the face of climate change—we cannot add another threat. We must prevent further extraction and exploitation of the planet, and stop this new industry before it starts. The path to a moratorium is becoming more clear, and Greenpeace won’t stop until we get there. Together, we can stop deep sea mining for good. To learn more about this campaign and ways to protect our oceans, visit act.gp/deepseamining.

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INVESTIGATIONS

Two women read Hold the Line, an unprecedented Greenpeace study on the socioeconomic dynamics in the Brazilian Cerrado.

GREENPEACE GUMSHOES:

Exposing Corporate and Government Ties to the Climate Crisis By Stephanie Hulse, Supporter Communications Manager

Pathways Alliance—a coalition of the six largest oil sands producers—has been running a misleading advertising campaign to garner public and political support for oil sands development. You may have seen the ads on TV or social media, on billboards or even wrapped on the outside of public transit vehicles. They tout Pathways as a climate leader with claims of movement towards “net zero” and significant strides to address climate change. Yet how to square this with the fact that the coalition operates nearly 95% of Canada’s oil sands—the source of some of the most carbon-intensive oil on the planet— and that they’re about to break their own oil production records again? Greenpeace Canada investigated Pathways claims, and our research shows they’ve failed to account for more than 80% of their emissions. And so, after carefully gathering 6

our evidence, Greenpeace Canada—along with members from the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, Environmental Defence, and a concerned Guelph University student—submitted a formal complaint about Pathways’ erroneous advertisement to the Competition Bureau of Canada. Our complaint was accepted and the Bureau has launched an inquiry. Over 130 news outlets picked up the story, starting a conversation about corporate greenwashing. Once again, we’ve shown that we can expose and push back against big industries that continue to pillage the planet. Not every Greenpeace investigation gets this kind of attention or immediate impact, of course. And yet investigations, and the people responsible for them, play an incredibly important role in our campaigning. In many cases, they provide the foundation and basis for everything that follows.

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The role of investigations within organizations like Greenpeace has become increasingly vital as we work to address the climate crisis. With corporations and governments holding significant power to shape environmental policies and practices, it’s so important we scrutinize their actions and hold them accountable for their impact on the planet. Because in doing so, we leave room for new and better ways of living and working for all, to be explored and implemented. The Art of Investigation There’s an abundance of research expertise that exists within Greenpeace’s international network. A couple of notable examples include the Greenpeace Science Unit, based out of the University of Exeter, and Greenpeace UK’s award-winning journalism project, Unearthed. The Science Unit consists of research laboratories, which have been providing scientific advice and analytical support to Greenpeace offices worldwide since 1986. This has allowed Greenpeace to build up an extensive database of scientific literature, which serves as a core information resource. Meanwhile, the team of journalists and researchers at Unearthed reports on the environment—from forests and oceans to bees and air pollution—as well as the politics and economics that underpin them. The team takes on big, risky stories that need to be told but require time and resources many newsrooms don’t have, and illuminate the parts of our changing world no one else is looking at. This research and investigative work is also present here in Canada, and it’s something we’re building. Thanks to funding from the Greenpeace Canada Education Fund, Greenpeace Canada has hired researcher and writer Nola Poirier to investigate the influence of fossil fuel companies in this country.

very good at hiding inconvenient information. It generally takes months or even years to get back freedom of information requests, and even then the most interesting bits are often redacted.” “This is why we need to pursue multiple angles to put the puzzle together,” explains Stewart. “One of the reforms we’re pursuing is for securities regulators to require companies to disclose climate-related financial risks, because it’s harder for them to lie. Lying to the public is usually called ‘public relations’ or ‘advertising’, but lying to shareholders can be considered fraud.” Revealing Corporate Wrongdoings and Government Complicity Greenpeace investigations have uncovered numerous examples of corporate malpractice and exposed companies for prioritizing profits over the planet. Over the years we’ve revealed environmentally destructive practices, hidden lobbying efforts, and deceptive greenwashing tactics employed by corporations. These investigations raise public awareness and help expose the true extent of corporate influence on climate policies. One dramatic example that springs to Stewart’s mind was when a copy of TransCanada’s strategy to push through the Energy East pipeline was leaked to Greenpeace Canada. TransCanada had hired the largest PR company in the world to recruit “third parties” to attack environmental groups. “Once that kind of strategy is made public, it not only doesn’t work but helps build the opposition to the project,” says Stewart.

Investigating major industries, corporations and governments does not come without its challenges and limitations. According to Keith Stewart, Greenpeace Canada’s Senior Energy Strategist, “governments and industry are Fall/Winter 2023

The work requires a high degree of rigour and a combination of methods and sources, including data analysis, undercover work, freedom of information requests, and collaboration with experts. “A key part of what we do is share information about issues with the public,” Poirier explans, “so well-researched information is essential. We rely on grounded information to determine where to put our focus, and we need credible, thoroughly citable sources to ensure our work is accurate. Many pieces of information don’t mean much on their own, but when more information is linked together it reveals something important.”

Dr. Melissa Wang in the Greenpeace Science Lab, Exeter University.

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INVESTIGATIONS issue is under investigation by the Competition Bureau, we’ve been doing our best to maintain public awareness of greenwashing, and what ‘net zero’ really means.”

Greenpeace also recognizes the importance of collaboration with scientists, policymakers, Indigenous communities, and other environmental organizations to drive systematic change. By combining our investigative findings with scientific evidence, grassroots movements and legal expertise, we’re actively contributing to a sustainable future.

Greenpeace campaigner Patrick Bonin is interviewed during a protest in front of the National Energy Board’s meeting, where its panel was studying the Energy East Pipeline, in 2016.

Governments play a pivotal role in shaping climate policies and implementing regulations—and we’re often pushing them to do more. Our investigations have uncovered links between polluting industries and governments, undisclosed lobbying efforts, conflicts of interest, and weakened environmental regulations. For example, almost a decade ago, Greenpeace Canada received copies of a letter from three of the biggest oil lobby groups to the Harper government asking for environmental laws to be weakened, because, in the words of the lobbists, the laws were “almost entirely focused on preventing bad things from happening.”

“It’s easy to be cynical about the state of the world, and hard to do something to make it better,” says Stewart. “But making the world better, even when it’s hard, is what Greenpeace does. Investigating and exposing wrongdoing is part of our organizational DNA.” Our ability to investigate and expose corporate and government connections to the climate crisis is crucial in our efforts for environmental justice. By unearthing hidden truths, holding responsible parties accountable, and mobilizing public support, our investigations foster transparency, awareness, and action. Knowledge is power and with it we can push for a more sustainable and equitable world. To read our reports, visit greenpeace.ca.

“This proved that the Harper government’s omnibus changes to environmental laws in 2012 were made at the behest of the fossil fuel industry,” explains Stewart. By exposing such connections, Greenpeace aims to push for transparent governance and hold governments accountable for the role they play in the climate crisis. Creating Ripples for a Sustainable Future Investigations alone cannot solve the climate crisis, but they can create a ripple effect. Exposing corporate and government misconduct prompts public outrage, raises awareness, and mobilizes grassroots movements. Nola Poirier believes the complaint Greenpeace Canada recently submitted to the Competition Bureau about misleading advertising by Pathways is an important step in making a difference. “The Pathways companies are responsible for two-thirds of all oil production in Canada, so their action—and inaction—really matters,” explains Poirier. “While this 8

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Since 2022, Greenpeace has produced or commissioned several investigative reports connected to our campaigns and work to create a greener and more just world. These include reports on greenwashing in the Canadian banking sector, government failures to protect biodiversity, and how, through a complex and extensive network of corporate entities, Canada is linked to destructive forestry practices in other parts of the world. Volume 25 No. 2

CLIMATE JUSTICE

FAITH-BASED CLIMATE ACTION By Saba Khan, Co-Founder of EnviroMuslims

This statement rings true for many religions, including Islam. Caring for and protecting the natural environment is our duty, and one that should not be taken lightly. In Islam, the term “Khaleafa” refers to being caretakers of the Earth. In the Quran and Prophetic teachings, we learn the importance of caring for animals and not being wasteful, and that we will be held accountable for any harm we intentionally inflict on the Earth. There is a clear call to action for faith groups when it comes to taking climate action. And yet, there continues to be a lack of diversity within the environmental movement, which results in missed opportunities to engage with communities that have these unique and valuable perspectives. EnviroMuslims works to change that. EnviroMuslims and the Canadian Muslim Community Created at the end of 2019, EnviroMuslims aims to engage with, educate, and empower Canadian Muslims to embed environmental sustainability in their everyday lives— where they live, work, play, or pray. We organize several community events, including tree plantings, shoreline cleanups, and clothing swaps. We have also launched a number of initiatives, such as the Greening Canadian Mosques (GCM) program. In 2021, our group launched GCM in collaboration with Faith & the Common Good, an interfaith charity. The first program of its kind in Canada, GCM provides mosques nationwide with online tools and resources to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, educate their congregations on the importance of environmental stewardship, and access funding and materials to support their sustainability journey. The ongoing success of the program led to the creation of EnviroMuslims Bootcamp. Fall/Winter 2023

Ummah for Earth is an alliance-led project coordinated by Greenpeace MENA (Middle East/North Africa) that engages with Muslim diaspora communities on climate justice. Greenpeace Canada has partnered with EnviroMuslims to create a fellowship program and support their environmental work. Faith groups are often left out of important conversations around climate policy and community engagement initiatives related to environmental issues. But know this: our diverse perspectives can help make an impact, because we are driven by something Divine (literally).

Saba Khan at an EnviroMuslims display at the annual Reviving the Islamic Spirit conference in Toronto.

A series of action-oriented sessions, the Bootcamp is dedicated to learning, networking, and supporting Canadian Muslim organizations working to embed a culture of environmental sustainability in their programming. Cross-Collaboration for a Sustainable Future Greenpeace has been supporting our organization’s current programming, providing EnviroMuslims with opportunities to engage on a larger scale with the Muslim community in Canada. We have been able to participate in large events, travel to different provinces to meet with Muslim leaders, and have provided support to mosques and Muslim organizations working to improve their sustainability. In other words, the fellowship has opened doors and created opportunities for us that we would not otherwise have access to. And that’s the crux of the matter. Cross-collaboration can promote diverse perspectives and produce innovative solutions. So, as we champion Muslim voices in the environmental movement, we are also advocating for all faith groups, as well as other equity-seeking groups, to be given the platforms, tools, and resources to continue their work and engage their communities. Because this work is also an essential part of building a more just, peaceful, and equitable future. To learn more about EnviroMuslims, visit: enviromuslims.ca.

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Meet

Greenpeace Canada’s new Board Chair

“When we bring Indigenous knowledge to decisions, things change. And that’s what we need right now.” Can you tell us a bit about your background and why you became involved with Greenpeace Canada? I grew up in a small Nisga’a village of Gitlakdamix and the Kwakwaka’wakw We Wai Kai community, on the West Coast of BC. My father was a fisherman and we spent half of the year on the ocean, and the rest of the year out on the land. Throughout my life I have always been deeply connected to the land and water, and I’ve seen them change drastically over my lifetime. The Elders always spoke about the wealth the land and the water has provided, and so my concern for the health of the environment was innate. And yet, we watched as some of our traditional foods became “at risk”—I haven’t eaten many of my favourite traditional foods in decades.

What are some of your priorities as Board Chair? One of my main priorities is to focus on reconnecting with our Greenpeace community, and rebuilding that sense of community that was growing exponentially before the Covid pandemic struck. Prior to the pandemic, we saw mass mobilization around the world, especially here in Canada. I have great admiration for Greta Thunberg, for waking up our decision makers and creating a societal shift that especially bolstered young people to be seen and heard. The pandemic stopped that momentum, and we need to get back to it. Climate change is no longer a polarizing political issue, it’s undeniable now across all the spectrums. All of our homes, goods and services, everything we rely on for our quality of life, is at risk. Indigenous communities in the North and Global South are most at risk, and are at the forefront of the climate crisis. My Nisga’a communities border the North and are seeing great shifts in climate patterns. It worries everyone. We need to come together and work as a community to ensure our climate action is done properly, in a way that centres climate justice and the impacts felt by the land and waters.

You’re Greenpeace Canada’s first Indigenous Board Chair. Can you tell us a little about the significance of this? It’s important for Indigenous Peoples to be at the forefront of power, because we can speak to it from a lived experience; from the impacts we see unfolding before us. We have a lived experience that is absolutely unique because we’re so intimately connected to our lands and water. When we bring Indigenous knowledge to decisions, things change. And that’s what we need right now. We need more Indigenous leadership across all organizations. We’ve had Indigenous leaders within Greenpeace before—I’m not the first, and I won’t be the last—but I’m in a position where I can step into this Chair role as the first Indigenous person at the helm, and I do so with great admiration for the organization.

What advice would you give to those who are passionate about social justice and advocacy? I would say, stay informed and bring balance into your life by going out into nature more. It’s important to find a balance between nurturing ourselves with the right information, while also taking care of ourselves through connecting with the land and water. Because that reminds us what we’re fighting for in the first place. 10

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SUPPORTER CARE

PUTTING THE “PEOPLE” IN PEOPLE POWER!

Volunteers are at the heart of Greenpeace victories. Representing the organization in almost 200 regions worldwide, Greenpeace volunteers organize outreach activities, participate in trainings, and contribute to campaigns and direct actions. Greenpeace Canada currently has active volunteer groups in Toronto and Montreal, who meet regularly to work to create a more fair and just world.

Meet Giovanna Galuppo, who has been volunteering with Greenpeace since 2016. What drew you to Greenpeace Canada and what have you enjoyed about the experience? Ever since I was a little girl growing up in Venezuela, I always admired organizations making a difference in the world. I didn’t even consider it possible to be part of [such an organization] until I moved to Toronto. The moment I started volunteering I was mesmerized by how welcoming everyone was and how easy it was to get involved in Greenpeace’s actions and become a changemaker.

One of my favourite moments was taking part in the RBC mural action in downtown Toronto in 2021 [calling on RBC to stop funding the climate crisis]. Everything about it was exciting: the design, the planning, the collaboration with other artists and volunteers, the adrenaline, the blockage of the street and the very specific timeframe we had to complete the mural.

What does being a Greenpeace volunteer mean to you? Being a Greenpeace volunteer gives me a sense of purpose. The opportunity to step outside of the daily routine to get involved in something bigger than myself, that will impact not only my generation but far beyond that. It is something that moves and fulfills me beyond words.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a volunteer? Do it! Give yourself the gift of being part of something bigger than yourself. If it’s there for you, consider that that is your call. The world needs people like you and me to stand up and take action!

Feel inspired? To learn more about joining a volunteer group, visit act.gp/volunteernow.

Get in touch! Have a question? Need to update your information? Sana, Sarah and Gloria from Greenpeace Canada’s Supporter Care team are here to help!

Fall/Winter 2023

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Please email the team at supporter.ca@greenpeace.org or call them Monday to Thursday at 1-800-320-7183.