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Graphic proof: Greenpeace is campaigning hard for the phasing-out of CFC production. These chemicals, among others, are causing severe damage to the ozone layer of the earth's upper atmosphere. In the picture left, the purple and black shading shows areas of ozone depletion spreading over the Antarctic in October each year between 1979 - 94. |
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In increasing numbers people are saying, 'enough is enough'. They want to see industrial and economic systems cleaned up. They believe that this world has the technology and the money to provide clean food, clean air, housing and employment with dramatic reductions in pollution levels. They are right to demand these. The next quarter- century will see the planet facing unprecedented challenges. Unless action is taken now, rising population levels accompanied by increased consumption of energy and goods will place new burdens on the land, the oceans and rivers, and the atmosphere. In the face of these challenges, Greenpeace - as a small organisation - must have priorities. We have chosen to focus on what we believe to be the most urgent, potentially irreversible, global environmental problems - those that most threaten the capacity of the planet to maintain clean air, land and water: |
Because the devastating effects of climate change and ozone depletion, which result from the 'dumping' of pollution into our atmosphere, could change life as we know it. |
Because thousands of new chemicals are produced every year. Ultimately they are all released into the environment, contaminating the food we eat, the air we breathe, the places we live in. We need to know more. We need to stop the cynical trade in chemical waste, for the effects on human health can be catastrophic. |
Because nuclear plants continue to produce radioactive and toxic substances which can be a threat to life for thousands of years. Because nuclear technology is inherently dangerous - and unnecessary. And because the threat of nuclear weapons is still present. the state of the planet |
Because the last great reservoirs of species diversity are the oceans and forests of the planet. These species hold the keys to a better understanding of how we all relate to one another, to new medical discoveries, and to potential future sources of food. We need to protect them. |
Atmospheric pollution.