Have you heard of the World Wildlife Fund or Greenpeace? These globally recognized organizations, operating under NGO status, are not just logos you’ve seen, but powerful forces working tirelessly to preserve our fragile natural environment. Their impact is felt worldwide, and you can be a part of it.

Greenpeace

History

Established in 1971, Greenpeace embarked on a historic journey. A group of individuals, driven by a vision of a greener, more peaceful world, set sail from Vancouver, BC. In an old fishing boat, they believed they could make a difference by bearing witness to the U.S. testing of Nuclear bombs off an island in Alaska. Their courage and determination changed public opinion and captured the attention of people around the world.

The organisation raised money for this mission by playing a benefit concert that 16,000 people attended. Artists including Joni Mitchell, Phil Ochos, and James Taylor are taking the stage.

The boat never made it to Alaska, but the trip successfully changed public opinion, and the Greenpeace mission captured the attention of people around the world.

Greenpeace is one of the world’s most visible environmental organisations, expanding to over 55 countries.

What do they do?

They investigate and document environmental threats and expose ecological wrongdoings. They use their power to lobby key decision-makers to restore policy that protects nature and our planet. Their mission is to ensure a just, equitable, and sustainable world for all living beings, and they achieve this through a combination of direct action, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns.

Successes since 1971:

Following their first action, the U.S. abandons nuclear testing grounds in Alaska.

In 2011, after the release of their Dirty Laundry report, many major clothing brands committed to the elimination of hazardous chemical discharge across their supply chains within 10 years

In 2016, 85% of Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest in B.C. was protected from industrial logging.

Check out here for their interactive timeline!

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

History

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), established in 1961, was the brainchild of a group of individuals whose hearts beat for nature and the species that inhabited it. Their unwavering goal was to secure funding to shield it from the encroachment of human development. The first headquarters were set up in the Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in Morges, Switzerland, with H.R.H. Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands at the helm as the organisation’s first president. This was followed by H.R.H. Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, taking the reins of the British National Appeal – the first national organisation of the World Wildlife Fund family. The U.S. appeal soon followed, with the giant panda, a symbol of their commitment to wildlife conservation, proudly adorning its logo.

What do they do?

The WWF’s work to date includes aiding challenges related to climate, food, forests, freshwater, global environment facilities, influencing U.S. government policy, infrastructure, oceans, wildlife conservation, and much more. Its goal is to work globally, in every sector, and at every level to effect change. We are working with stakeholders in business, civil society, and academia through partnerships to create innovative solutions to our planet’s issues. Today, the organisation has over 1.1 million supporters. The organisation allows 6 key areas: forests, marine, freshwater, wildlife, food and climate.

Feeling inspired after learning about the incredible work of these organizations? Check their social media for updated projects they are involved in. And remember, you have the power to make a difference too. Consider getting involved yourself! Check out more about this post on our socials @housethirty.