Seeking Justice for the Planet by greenpeace.ca

IN THIS ISSUE…

GLOBALLY CONNECTED

There’s no doubt we are living in an intense and overwhelming time: the climate crisis, biodiversity collapse, and the rise of extreme politics all cast a daunting shadow over the present and our collective future. While these issues play out locally, we know they are connected globally. That’s why one of the things I value most about Greenpeace is being part of a global movement: talking, working, and strategizing every day with colleagues around the world who live in vastly different political and cultural contexts, but who share a common set of values, a common sense of hope, and a common strength of determination to create a greener, more peaceful world for all.

At a recent global meeting, Executive Directors from Greenpeace organizations around the world met to discuss our goals and visions for the future, and identify opportunities to collaborate and support each other.

While some live and work under the relative safety of stable democracies, others live under volatile and changing conditions — taking on significant risks in their passionate advocacy for people and the environment. With all these differences, we all recognized that the only way for us to succeed is together.

DID YOU KNOW...

In 2021, Québec’s Magpie River was granted legal personhood to protect its pristine waters. This was a landmark case in Canada, and gives the river the right to live, exist and flow.

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I feel proud and humbled to be part of that community. And I hope that as a Greenpeace Canada supporter, you feel part of that worldwide community too. Every Greenpeace organization, from China to Brazil to Indonesia to Senegal, is supported almost entirely by donors like you who share a commitment to a better future.

In this edition of the Greenpeace Magazine, you’ll read about the inspiring Greenspeakers, who are sharing important knowledge and fostering an environmentalist spirit among our youth. You’ll read about the importance of climate justice and its ability to bring lasting change, and to also create a domino effect that can lead to widespread impact. You’ll find an update on our Plastics campaign, our take on the federal government’s proposed Nature Law, and meet a committed Greenpeace volunteer.

None of this work is possible without your support. As you read this edition, I hope you feel a deep connection: to our shared work, to our movement, to the other people who, like you, believe that a better future is possible. You are an integral part of this global effort, and our connectedness will allow us to create a green and just world for all.

In solidarity and unwavering gratitude,

Christy Ferguson Executive Director, Greenpeace Canada

© Andrew Norton / Greenpeace

CLIMATE ACTION IN THE CLASSROOM: INSPIRING HOPE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Tackling the climate crisis requires different approaches, and here at Greenpeace Canada we have a program that isn’t afraid to meet new challenges, have difficult and engaging conversations, and answer questions about the climate crisis and the solutions available!

The Greenspeakers program is run by trained volunteers who offer interactive presentations to students from Grades 1 to 12 on a variety of environmental topics, such as climate change, plastics, biodiversity and more.

The group’s presentations emphasize the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues, and highlight the urgency of taking action and the need for a holistic approach to the climate crisis.

Greenspeakers also empower their audiences to make informed choices and take meaningful steps towards environmental stewardship. And the response is everything.

“Over the years we’ve received great feedback. Lots of students have told us we are making a difference, that we motivate and inspire them. Many teachers invite us

back many times, year after year,” reflects Michael Suski, a longtime volunteer Greenspeaker leader.

“Seeing the emotional connection we’re making with students and helping them understand the environmental issues at hand is so memorable.”

The program offers massive benefits, not only to the students that receive the presentations, but also to the volunteers that deliver them.

“By focusing on the positive things that are happening, by remembering that this is a process that takes some time, and by knowing we’re doing something helpful, keeps me motivated and hopeful in the face of the climate crisis,” says Michael.

What does Michael have to say to those who are considering joining the Greenspeakers as a volunteer? “Do it! It’s very rewarding and you’ll likely get more satisfaction and happiness from it than you expect.”

The Greenspeakers program is currently active in the Greater Toronto Area. If you’d like to volunteer or request a Greenspeaker presentation, please visit act.gp/greenspeakers.

Earyn Wheatley, Head of Actions and Organizing

Greenpeace Speaker training workshop at the Greenpeace UK office, 2022.

© Marie Jacquemin / Greenpeace

NO CLIMATE ACTION WITHOUT JUSTICE

By Stephanie Hulse, Loyalty Officer

After this summer, when we witnessed wildfires devastate the town of Jasper, Alberta, many of us are left wondering how many more communities will be destroyed by the climate crisis? How many more lives will be upended before the emergency is adequately addressed? How long before those who are most responsible are held accountable?

Beyond — or rather as part of — climate action, restitution needs to be delivered to those who have been harmed by those who are the source of its cause. We need climate justice.

What is climate justice?

Climate justice addresses the unequal impacts of the climate crisis on different communities. It recognizes that those who have contributed the least to the climate crisis, such as low-income and marginalized communities, often suffer the most — and that suffering will worsen as the climate crisis continues.

“Climate justice and social justice are two sides of the same coin, explains Priyanka Vittal, Greenpeace Canada’s Legal Counsel. “The worse the climate crisis gets, the greater the gulf becomes between rich and poor. Marginalized communities are more exposed to the devastating impacts of climate disasters — the impacts of which lead to issues like food insecurity, lack of housing, inability to adapt, poor access to health care and other vital resources. The systems of oppression exacerbating climate change also make these populations more vulnerable.”

In order for the burdens of the climate crisis, and its mitigation, to be distributed fairly, it’s essential that climate justice is at the centre of our work — and the environmental movement in general. This means recognizing that social, racial and environmental injustices are interconnected, and that fair decision-making processes and equitable distribution of resources are made available to vulnerable communities on the frontline of the crisis.

In 2023, Greenpeace Netherlands and residents of the Dutch-Caribbean Island of Bonaire announced they were taking the Dutch State to court over insufficient climate action.

© Roëlton

Avenues for climate justice

Achieving climate justice isn’t something that can be done overnight. Indeed, it will take a lot of hard work, re-learning and awareness. But it must begin with addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change and ensuring that everyone has a voice.

Marginalized and frontline communities must have a seat at the table during climate policy discussions, so that solutions are tailored to each community. These often overlooked and ignored insights and experiences are crucial for creating effective and equitable solutions. The knowledge of those with direct experience of the climate crisis — especially Indigenous communities — must be honoured.

To get there, it’s important to address the underlying social, racial and economic injustices that are at the root of the climate crisis, and its impacts. This is difficult work, especially for colonial countries like Canada, whose settler communities have largely benefited from extractivist industries — like the fossil fuel and mining industries — at the expense of Indigenous communities. This also means improving our broken education and healthcare systems and ensuring there are equal economic and social opportunities for all.

When it comes to economics, a big public concern — which political parties and fossil fuel companies have leveraged to slow climate action — is that a shift from a fossil fuel-based economy to a renewable energy economy will result in a lack of jobs. It is essential that we create a just transition that creates sustainable jobs and supports affected workers and communities. We must bring everyone along, in our journey for a greener future.

While we’re on finances, climate justice also translates to providing consistent and reliable funding to support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in marginalized and frontline communities. It also means providing reparations to communities that have historically been impacted by industries practicing extractivism.

Much of this work will include holding the countries and industries responsible for significant land extraction, greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damage accountable, and ensuring that they take meaningful roles in mitigating the climate crisis. Those who have benefited from excessive extractivism and contributed to the climate crisis must contribute the most to the solution.

Climate justice and the courtroom

Climate justice often plays out in courthouses. A large part of what Greenpeace does involves calling out big polluters and governments for their role in the climate crisis or their lack of environmental action. This can

sometimes lead to legal threats and other forms of intimidation from the corporations and industries we challenge and it’s essential we have legal expertise on our side. With this expertise, we’ve also participated in, supported and led many environmental cases to protect people and our planet over the years.

“Communities around the world are seeking to hold climate polluters accountable in court, and they are changing the course of history and showing us that we can solve the climate crisis,” explains Kristin Casper, Greenpeace International’s General Counsel.

And even if the climate cases are not victories they can still be a step forward for the planet. “Litigating climate change is a marathon not a sprint. Setbacks and losses happen. We try to find a way to turn losses into an opportunities that serve as building blocks for new and innovative legal theories that open up the possibility to achieve enduring systemic change,” Casper adds.

Climate Justice at home

Climate justice also has a place in our everyday lives.

“If you’re able, contacting your MP to stop providing subsidies to oil and gas companies, engaging in climate friendly gardening, reducing your short haul flights, moving your financial investments away from carbon intensive projects, reducing meat consumption are important things we can do on an individual level,” says Vittal. “Every little thing you do in your power counts — something is always better than nothing.”

By prioritizing equity, promoting community-led solutions, and working in solidarity with communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis, we are paving the way for a more just and sustainable future for all.

In a case was brought forward by the Affaire du Siècle team — and supported by Greenpeace France — the Paris Administration court ruled that the French State has a climate responsibility and found it illegal for the State to neglect its commitments to reduce emissions.

MAKING OUR CASE

Here’s a look at some recent climate justice cases Greenpeace has been a part of over the years:

KlimaSeniorinnen vs. Government of Switzerland

In 2024, after nine years of mobilizing and campaigning, the KlimaSeniorinnen (a.k.a. The Swiss Senior Women for Climate Protection) — with the support of Greenpeace International and Greenpeace Switzerland — achieved a landmark victory at the European Court of Human Rights. For the first time ever, an international human rights court recognized climate protection as a human right, and found concrete steps that governments must take to address the climate crisis.

Bonaire vs. the Dutch State

In 2023, eight citizens from Bonaire, alongside Greenpeace Netherlands, sued the Dutch State for human rights violations due to insufficient climate action. The lawsuit demands that the Netherlands reduce carbon emissions to limit warming below 1.5 °C, and develop plans with the communities on the island to address the climate crisis and ensure Bonaire’s residents can continue to live there. They argue that failure to do this is a breach of their human rights. ©

Greenpeace Nordic & Young Friends of the Earth Norway vs. Norwegian State

South Africa vs. Seismic Blasting

In 2022, South African courts revoked Shell’s exploration rights to conduct seismic blasting off South Africa’s Wild Coast, a decision which will protect marine life from deafening blasts, and safeguards the livelihoods of coastal communities. This was a major win for local communities and environmental activists — including Greenpeace Africa — who brought the case to court and argued that the exploration rights were granted unlawfully, that the affected communities were not consulted, and that decision makers failed to consider the harm to local people’s rights as well as the global climate.

The Philippines vs. the Fossil Fuel Industry

In 2023, Greenpeace Nordic and Young Friends of the Earth Norway won a historic case against the Norwegian State, invalidating approvals for three North Sea oil and gas fields. Greenpeace argued these approvals violated the Norwegian Constitution, European Economic Area law, and international human rights commitments. The Oslo District Court ruled that the Ministry of Energy failed to consider global climate impacts and children’s rights, ordering an immediate halt to production. This decision prevented millions of barrels of oil from being extracted and strengthened legal precedents for climate lawsuits worldwide.

In 2022, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines declared that major polluting companies, including Shell and ExxonMobil, can be held legally and morally liable for human rights violations resulting from climate change. This landmark decision came after a petition was filed in 2015 by environmental groups — including Greenpeace Philippines — and Filipino communities affected by the climate crisis. The petition called for an investigation into the world’s biggest investor-owned fossil fuel and cement companies for significantly contributing to the climate crisis.

Clyde River vs. Arctic oil exploration

In 2017, the community of Clyde River, Nunavut, received a ruling from Canada’s highest court on their case to uphold their rights as Indigenous Peoples and protect their home, the Arctic, from the impacts of seismic blasting. Greenpeace Canada supported Clyde River’s legal battle and worked closely with the community, starting in July 2014.

© Natanya Harrington / Greenpeace

MEET THE WORLD’S TOP PLASTIC VILLAINS

By Sarah King, Senior Strategist (Oceans, Plastics & Biodiversity)

Did you know that if business as usual is allowed to continue, plastic production could triple by 2050? TRIPLE!

We need to draw a line in the microplastic-filled sand to say — it’s time to end the age of plastic.

Scientific studies have revealed that plastic is everywhere. Inside our bodies, on the tallest mountain, in

Big Plastic

The plastic industry, which includes petrochemical and plastic-producing companies, will seemingly stop at nothing to block government action to curb plastic pollution. In Canada, a coalition of plastic companies has filed not one, but two lawsuits against the federal government to stop a single-use plastics ban. They even have a full marketing campaign spreading a false narrative that plastic is essential. Greenpeace research revealed that the industry has ramped up its lobbying efforts to coincide with the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and federal action plans. Meanwhile, industry continues to threaten the health of people and the planet, most recently on unceded Aamjiwnaang territory — near Sarina, Ontario — when INEOS Styrolution released benzene, a known carcinogen, into the community (again), causing a state of emergency.

remote lakes, on uninhabited islands, and in the air we breathe. Plastic has become ubiquitous in our daily lives, making a personal plastic-free challenge difficult for most of us. That’s the way plastic manufacturers would have it and directing our attention to the worst industry villains is where plastic-free challenges should star t.

Consumer goods brands

Fast-moving consumer goods companies like Coca-Cola, Nestlé and Unilever, along with various other popular brands, are some of the world’s top plastic polluters according to global clean-up and brand audits. Last year, Greenpeace UK exposed the Unilever-owned Dove brand for their contribution to the plastic pollution crisis, particularly in the so-called Global South. Unilever sells 1,700 polluting, singleuse plastic sachets every single second. Dove says it cares about “Real Beauty”, but there is no beauty in a brand that poisons our planet and threatens the health of our communities. Over 140,000 people have already signed a letter to Dove demanding they stop the sale of sachets by the end of 2025, phase out all single-use plastics within ten years, and become a true force for good by advocating for these goals at the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations. While Unilever and some other brands have made loose sustainability commitments, their real world impact remains horrendous.

A march for a strong Global Plastics Treaty filled with environmental organizations from around the world took place during the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) meetings in Ottawa, Canada in 2024.

© Tim Aubry / Greenpeace

Supermarkets

Way back in January 2019, Greenpeace launched a petition calling on Canada’s largest supermarket chains to address their gigantic plastic footprint by phasing out single-use plastics and embracing reusable packaging and refill product delivery models. Despite a massive call by customers and the public to rid our shopping carts of endless and unnecessary plastic, and even the recent attempt by the federal government to push the retail giants to act fast on plastic reduction, very little has changed in the supermarket aisles. A recent report by Environment Defence found that more than 70 per cent of products in the produce and baby food aisles alone are wrapped in plastic. While there are glimmers of hope, such as Reusables.com partnering with retailers to offer reusable options, plastic-free alternatives are extremely limited, and a long way from being available in all stores and communities.

Change is coming!

The list of plastic waste and pollution offenders is devastatingly long. For every company driving real reuse solutions there are countless others digging in their heels. Nevertheless, there’s more and more awareness that changing our plastic-dependent systems is the way to a healthier and less polluted planet. And even though there are major forces at play working to prevent this, the plastic-free movement is strong and growing globally.

As the calls for change get louder, we need to ensure we’re directing them at corporations for creating the plastic pollution and waste crisis in the first place, as well as governments that can — and must — take bold action to accelerate the just transition to our zero waste, low carbon reality.

How you can help:

1 Urge Canada to Support a Strong Global Plastics Treaty! Visit act.gp/globalplasticstreaty to sign a petition urging Canada to support a treaty that will end plastic pollution.

2 Email or call your MP to urge them to support and create a national reuse-based systems.

3 Share the call to stop Big Plastic! To learn more about how Greenpeace has joined Ecojustice and other groups to keep Canada’s plastic ban alive, visit greenpeace.ca .

A polar bear plays with plastic waste in the Arctic.

As part of the Reuse Revolution Global Refill Week of action, Greenpeace Canada volunteers placed cards on supermarket shelves to demand unpackaged and bulk options, as well as more products offered in reusable packaging.

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CANADA’S NEW NATURE LAW: A STEP FORWARD OR A MISSED OPPORTUNITY?

By Dina Ni, Communications Campaigner

With over 2,000 species at risk across Canada, decisive action is needed to reverse the decline of once-thriving ecosystems. And yet, despite the federal government’s repeated promises to introduce a law protecting nature, and their pledge at the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montréal to halt biodiversity loss by 2030, progress has been slow.

In the last edition of the Greenpeace Magazine, we shared our call for new federal legislation to protect nature. Now we have an update: shortly after that edition was published, the federal government proposed a new bill called the Nature Accountability Act. We’ve broken down our opinion on this proposal for you below into: the good, the bad and the upgrade.

The good

We’re feeling cautiously optimistic. The proposed Act reaffirms Canada’s dedication to achieving the targets and goals of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework. And this framework, agreed upon by Canada and other signatories at COP15, sets ambitious global targets for biodiversity conservation.

The bill, tabled in the House of Commons, obligates the federal government to develop plans for meeting these global targets and to publicly report on progress.

The bad

The Act falls short of ensuring Canada meets its international commitments to halt and reverse nature loss. It doesn’t legally bind global protection targets into Canadian law, or mandate their achievement. By not doing so, Canada is setting itself up to easily let its commitment to biodiversity fall to the wayside.

The upgrade

The Act must be amended to ensure that biodiversity planning and reporting are credible, and that laws and actions respect Indigenous rights and support Indigenousled initiatives. It’s also critical that legal provisions be made to prevent Canada from undermining its promises to protect nature.

In a nutshell

Overall, the Nature Accountability Act is too weak. It’s a good starting point, but it needs to be heavily amended. The bill lacks specific targets, integration with existing laws, prioritization of Indigenous sovereignty, and the legal force necessary to drive real change.

But there is a great opportunity for Canada to upgrade this proposal and showcase its commitment to global nature protection! This fall, the 2024 COP16 will be held in Colombia, and the clock is ticking. It’s time to urge the federal government for stronger and more impactful legislation.

Our goal is for the federal government to pass a strong nature law. We plan to deliver a petition signed by Canadians who feel the same, demanding better protection for our planet and all that live on it. If you’d like to join us and sign our petition, please visit act.gp/protectnature.

A moose crosses a waterway in Canada.

Meet Kate Kourtsidis

Greenpeace Volunteer & Greenspeaker

“I

have found a community to laugh with and learn from...”

You became a Greenpeace volunteer in 2022. What drew you to Greenpeace Canada and what have you enjoyed about the experience?

I was drawn to Greenpeace because it’s a well known environmental organization with a wonderful volunteer program in my community. From going into classrooms and educating kids on climate change as part of the Greenspeakers program, to creating showstopping banners and participating in protests with like-minded people, Greenpeace has given me an outlet to advocate for the planet and generations to come which I am forever grateful for.

What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer?

Being a volunteer is as fun as it is fulfilling. As much as I love my friends, I did not have many peers in my life who cared as much about the environment as I do until I joined Greenpeace. Since then, I have found a community to laugh with and learn from each time we’re volunteering together.

What are you looking forward to?

I am most excited to continue participating in and growing the Greenspeakers program. Educating students about the climate crisis and offering them ideas to take climate action has been extremely rewarding. Their passion to make the world a better place gives me hope for the future.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a volunteer?

Do it! One of the perks of being a volunteer with Greenpeace is the staff are extremely supportive, understanding and appreciative. Any time you are able to dedicate to volunteering is helpful. This means you can set your own schedule, take on opportunities that align with your skills and interests and easily take mental health breaks when needed.

What

are some of the challenges or difficulties that you face as a volunteer?

Personally, time commitment is my biggest challenge. When you work full-time and are involved in other activities, you don’t always have the capacity to volunteer. Over the years, I have tried my best to maintain a work-life balance while helping the local group as much as I can.

Volunteers are key Greenpeace victories. Representing the organization in almost 200 regions worldwide, Greenpeace volunteers organize community outreach activities, participate in trainings, and contribute to campaigns and direct actions. Greenpeace Canada currently has active volunteer groups in Toronto and Montréal who meet regularly to work to create a more fair and just world. Visit act.gp/volunteerwithus to get involved.

YOU’RE ASKING ME TO TAKE ACTION ONLINE, BUT I DON’T USE SOCIAL MEDIA

If you’re on our email list, you know that many of our calls to action include using a form of social media — Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) — to communicate with a government officials or major decision-makers. We do this because it’s an effective and easy way for supporters to participate in our campaigns, make their voices heard, and pressure governments or industry players to act. And it’s often very successful!

We know that not everyone uses social media, however. Each time we send an email with a call to action, we receive messages like this from supporters.

“Sorry, but I don’t use the social media you’ve listed. If you have other suggestions such as e-mail, or even snail mail, let me know the addresses and an idea of what you want said.”

If this is you, know that you’re not alone! There are other great ways to participate in Greenpeace campaigns without using social media that can be just as (or even more!) effective. Here are a few to consider:

Send an Email:

Emails are an effective way to reach out to government officials and corporations (especially if you’re a customer), and they’re easy to follow up on.

Call them:

Phone calls can be very impactful, especially when you’re calling your elected representative. If they don’t answer, leave a voicemail and try again later.

Send a Letter:

Traditional letters make a strong impression, and perhaps even more so because the intended audience likely receives very few nowadays.

Hot tips:

• Feel free to email us for key talking points or a template.

• If you’re calling your elected official, make sure to remind them that you are their constituent, as they are meant to represent your interests and may be asking for your vote in the future!

• Once you’ve reached out, share your script with others so they can do the same.

It takes many forms of communication for our call for urgent climate action to resonate. No matter what route you take, what’s most important is that you’re using your voice for the planet.

Get in touch!

Have a question? Need to update your information? Greenpeace Canada’s Supporter Care team is here to help!

greenpeace.ca Fall/Winter 2024

Please email the team at supporter.ca@greenpeace.org or reach them by phone between 9 am and 5 pm ET, Monday to Thursday, at 1-800-320-7183.

After taking care of your loved ones, you can continue protecting the planet for future generations with a gift in your Will. It’s a simple process, and we are here to help answer any questions you may have about leaving a legacy gift to Greenpeace.

If you’re ready to start a conversation, contact contact us at lcanada@greenpeace.org or by calling 1-800-320-7183 . Scan the QR code to learn more about how you can make a lasting legacy gift today!