The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4), held this week in Canada, will discuss the draft terms of the Global Plastics Treaty, which the United Nations committed to deliver by the end of 2024.

Greenpeace is calling for the treaty to set a legally-binding target to reduce plastic production by at least 75% by 2040, followed by significant reductions in production year-on-year and eventually phase out plastic production entirely.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific Senior Oceans Campaigner Violette Snow said the Australian government must champion strong targets and focus on reducing plastic production.

“The INC-4 is a crucial meeting that could determine the role toxic plastic will play in the future of our planet, the health of our children and the stability of our climate. The clock is ticking. The Global Plastics Treaty is a once-in-a-generation opportunity – it can’t go to waste,” she said.

“Australia must stem the tide of plastic, starting with a strong, legally binding target to reduce plastic at its source. Australia can be a global leader by championing ambitious targets at the UN, and not bowing to petrostates trying to water down the treaty terms.”

Greenpeace is calling for the Global Plastics Treaty to end plastic pollution – from production to disposal – and to end single-use plastics to protect the environment and human health. 

“Australians know that life in plastic isn’t fantastic. Plastic pollution floods our planet, destroys biodiversity, kills our wildlife and worsens the climate crisis across the entire life of plastic – from extraction, production, packaging, distribution, incineration and dumping. The deadly cycle brought by runaway plastic production and use needs to stop for good, and a strong treaty will see to that,” Snow said.

“As part of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, the Australian government must walk the talk and model high ambitions. We need more focus on rapidly phasing down plastic production, and less focus on band-aid solutions. While there is a place for recycling in a circular economy, we can’t rely on recycling our way out of the plastics crisis.”

—ENDS—

Notes: 

Photos can be found here

A media briefing of the INC-4 is attached here

Audio grabs from Violette Snow can be found here

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Kimberley Bernard on +61 407 581 404 or kbernard@greenpeace.org

Adopted in June 2023, the UN Oceans Treaty is the most significant multilateral environmental deal since the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and a vital tool to help reverse the ocean crisis. Australia joined dozens of other nations in signing the historic and legally-binding pact, but it must still be ratified by individual countries before it comes into effect.

The Treaty must enter in force by 2025 to keep the globally agreed target of protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030 within reach.

Palau’s ratification highlights Pacific nations’ continuing leadership on global ocean protection, and sends a strong signal for other countries, including Australia, to fast-track ratification and take action to deliver protected oceans sanctuaries where marine life can recover and thrive.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific senior campaigner Violette Snow said “The Global Oceans Treaty is a critical step forward in the fight to protect our oceans from the mounting threats of climate change, marine plastics and overfishing.”

“We congratulate Palau on becoming the first country to ratify the Global Oceans Treaty, a powerful tool to protect our oceans,” she said. 

“Australia’s leadership and cooperation with like-minded countries has seen a commitment to stronger protections for our oceans, but now the Australian government must back up words with action. 

“Lying between Australia and New Zealand, the Lord Howe Rise and South Tasman Sea have been identified as areas of ecological significance, but right now they’re under threat from harmful fishing practices.

“The race to protect our oceans is on. We urge Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to follow Palau’s announcement and act just as swiftly to ratify the Treaty, and to follow through on its conservation leadership on the global stage.”

Palau is the first nation to officially ratify the treaty, after Chile last week approved their treaty legislation with a unanimous vote in their senate. 

—ENDS—

Notes to editors

In September 2023, Greenpeace International published a report setting out the political process to deliver protection for the global oceans. The report, ‘30×30: From Global Ocean Treaty to Protection at Sea’ explores how cumulative pressures on the high seas are increasing, and quantifies for the first time the growing fishing activity in areas earmarked for protection, using data from Global Fishing Watch.

Images for media use can be found here

We are living in a world that is being destroyed by throwaway plastic. Plastic pollution has flooded our planet, harming people’s health, accelerating social injustice, destroying biodiversity and fueling the climate crisis.

Science is only beginning to understand the long-term effects of plastic on human health, yet microplastics have been found in the air we breathe and the food we eat, and even in our organs and our blood. And communities on the frontlines of plastic production and waste are disproportionately affected by plastic pollution, social injustice,  and the climate crisis.

The fact is that 99% of plastic is made from oil and gas —  and big oil are making more and more each year. The full lifecycle of plastic harms livelihoods and the climate. Despite all of this, big oil, in league with big brands like Unilever, Nestlé and Coca-Cola, continue to promote false solutions and a throwaway single-use model where ‘convenience’ and corporate profits outweigh the cost to our communities.

But now, we have the opportunity to end the plastic crisis by pushing for a strong and ambitious Global Plastics Treaty that will end runaway plastic production and use. 

Governments around the world are now negotiating a Global Plastics Treaty – an agreement that could solve the planetary crisis brought by runaway plastic production.

A treaty that fails to deliver major reductions in plastic production and use will not solve the plastic crisis. Greenpeace, with our allies and supporters, demand an ambitious, legally-binding global plastics treaty that will cap and phase down plastic production and use, and ultimately end single-use plastic.

We demand a treaty that will keep oil and gas used to produce plastic in the ground and puts an end to big polluters’ relentless plastic production. The Global Plastics Treaty must be firmly rooted in a human rights-based approach that reduces inequalities between people, priorities on human health, protects the environment and ensures a just transition to a low-carbon, zero-waste, reuse-based economy that centres justice and the interests of communities most affected. A strong plastics treaty delivers a cleaner, safer planet for us and for future generations.

We know that the petrochemical industry, corporations and some governments will try to weaken the ambition of the Global Plastics Treaty, and here is where the battle truly begins. The Global Plastics Treaty is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to solve the plastics crisis. For the sake of our collective future, we must not waste this moment.

At the upcoming negotiations in coming years, we will show how an unstoppable global movement can achieve an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty that will turn off the plastics tap and finally, end the age of plastic – for our health, our communities, climate, and the planet.

There are so many beautiful places all over the globe to celebrate, and no two are quite alike. From the medicines that come from the rainforest to the lakes and streams that serve as our freshwater sources, there is no doubt that our well-being is interwoven with that of the environment. However, human impact has stressed many of these environments through pollution, mining, deforestation and changing climates.

The ten locations that follow are both stunning to the eye and biologically diverse. Many have a relatively low human impact due to lower population density or because of their remote location.

Today, these places appear to us as nature in its purest form, but how will they look tomorrow if we do not stand up to companies that are damaging our common home.

In order to protect these pristine conditions, we must take ownership of our own conservation and environmental efforts. From avoiding excessive plastic use to contacting your local representatives to demand change, the future of the environment is in our hands. Let us reflect upon what we are lucky to have on behalf of the planet, but more importantly, to recognise the importance and urgency in continuing to protect it.

1. The Rainforests of Papua New Guinea

© Markus Mauthe / Greenpeace

Areas of rainforest in Papua New Guinea remain relatively untouched by humans due to a spans of protected areas. Local communities have taken the initiative to keep control of their natural resources, and as a result the biodiversity has flourished for many years. Sadly, today, more than 60% of Papua New Guinea’s ancient forests have been lost to deforestation. And in Australia, we are part of the problem. Read more here.

2. The Galapagos Islands

© John Goldblatt / Greenpeace

The Galapagos Islands are home to incredible biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. The endemic species of these islands were famously studied by naturalist Charles Darwin, and many of these species are found nowhere else in the world. The Ecuadorian government has created many initiatives to continue protecting this valuable ecosystem, such as a visitor management system that helps to monitor and halt invasive species introduction.

3. Seychelles

Photo by Alin Meceanu on Unsplash

A picturesque white sand beach in the Seychelles perfectly depicts the pristine landscape that is found all throughout this particular archipelago. Found off the eastern coast of Africa, the local government has instituted many marine protected areas which have been successful in warding off illegal fishing.

4. Namibia

Photo by jean wimmerlin on Unsplash

Located in Southern Africa, Namibia is one of the only countries to have a commitment to conservation outlined in its constitution. The country has also had great success in fighting poaching, as government organisations and the private sector have joined efforts to achieve greater environmental protection.

5. Antarctica

© Paul Hilton / Greenpeace

Only inhabited by its indigenous wildlife and a small number of scientists, Antarctica is the only continent on earth without its own native population. The almost entirely undeveloped landscape accommodates a limited number of hardy native species, such as the elephant seal, humpback whale, and emperor penguins. Additionally, there is a surprisingly high amount of plant diversity in the Antarctic, including numerous well-adapted moss and lichen species.

Sadly, the impacts of climate change and industrial-scale fishing operations are placing increasing pressure on this unique ecosystem.

6. The Great Australian Bight

© Ella Colley / Greenpeace

The Great Australian Bight, an open bay off the central and western portions of the southern coastline of mainland Australia, is home to dozens of seaside communities, majestic southern right whales, sea lions and hundreds of kilometres of towering cliffs. The Bight is also a breeding ground for many unique species, and 85% of Great Australian Bight marine life is found nowhere else on earth. 

7. Tanzania

© Roberto Isotti / A.Cambone / Homo ambiens / Greenpeace

Community based wildlife protection in Tanzania helps to maintain overall biodiversity of the East African country. Pictured here, an African bush elephant walks throughout Ngoro-ngoro National Park, Tanzania. Establishment of Wildlife Management Areas has helped to protect this elephant and many other species from poaching and habitat loss.

8. Jujuy Province, Argentina

© Martin Katz / Greenpeace

Located in the northernmost areas of Argentina, the Jujuy Province is home to a vast landscape of jungles, kilometres of salt flats, and towering mountain ranges. Pictured here is the Calilegua National Park, a federally protected area that is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the country. Transpiration from the dense forest vegetation creates low-lying clouds that weave their way through the treetops, as pictured above. Unfortunately, has been a history of being a target for oil exploration.

9. Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

© Greenpeace

Full of vast mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks, Jasper National Park is the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies. It is also home to healthy populations of rare North American fauna, such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves. 

10. Bear Island, Norway

© Mitja Kobal / Greenpeace

Bear Island, the southernmost island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, is a federally protected area that is uninhabited and undeveloped by humans. Native species and large seabird colonies can be found on the island, oftentimes captured circling the steep cliffs. Bear Island also is dotted with glacial formations, caverns, and isolated rock pillars.

The wonder and beauty of our natural world cannot be captured in a mere ten photos, yet these images help to remind us what is at stake. World Environment Day is a powerful reminder and call to action for us all. We can all take steps to be a better citizen of the Earth, and can play a role in calling upon our decision-makers do the same. 

Dr Olaf Meynecke Whale Watching on the Rainbow Warrior in the Perth Canyon. Photo credit: Harriet Spark/ Grumpy Turtle 2023

With its nutrient-rich waters and water stretching down to depths of 5000 metres, the Perth Canyon area is a crucial feeding ground for blue whales.

Pygmy blue whales migrate along the Western Australian coast during the winter months, and the Rainbow Warrior is following their migration path, documenting the majesty of these beautiful animals and exposing the harm that could be caused to their environment by fossil fuel company Woodside’s plans for its monstrous offshore gas project, the Burrup Hub.

The Rainbow Warrior left Fremantle yesterday morning, waved off by locals lining the sea wall, in search of whales in the Perth Canyon. Sailing with us was Dr Olaf Meynecke, marine biologist and whale expert, who specialises in research on the impact of climate change on whales.

Rainbow Warrior Crew Whale Watching in the Perth Canyon. Photo credit: Harriet Spark/ Grumpy Turtle 2023

Armed with an array of scientific equipment, including dip hydrophones to record whale sound, a plankton tow to measure microscopic sea life and devices to gauge microplastics in the ocean, Dr Meynecke hopes to find out more about whale populations in this area. 

Campaigners and crew were assigned to a visual surveying roster, standing in the bow of the ship scanning the horizon for any sign of whale life. And Perth Canyon did not disappoint.

Our first whale sighting, off the starboard bow, brought everyone running to the deck. A high spout of water out to sea, followed by a sassy flip of a tail. Dr Meynecke confirmed that this was indeed the whale we’d come to see – the pygmy blue whale.

More sightings and spouts followed, each one recorded by the visual surveying crew to add to the data about these elusive whales. In mid afternoon Dr Meynecke, accompanied by Greenpeace Germany campaigner Franzi, set off in a RHIB to get up close and personal with the whales, using the hydrophones to record their song.

The whales obliged, surfacing so close to the boat that they took the observation crew by surprise. These whales, naturally curious and playful, will often come close to smaller vessels to check them out, sometimes even following them.

Over several hours there were no less than eight whale sightings, including blue whales and humpbacks. After celebrating the end of commercial whaling in Albany last week, seeing these beautiful and majestic creatures thriving in WA’s waters was confirmation of why we are here.

A Greenpeace Zodiac in the Perth Canyon WA Whale Watching. Credit: Harriet Spark/ Grumpy Turtle 2023

But while whaling is no longer a threat in Australian waters, whales today face more complex challenges.

Warming oceans driven by climate change are changing migration patterns and making food scarce. Noise pollution from engines is a huge source of stress for vulnerable whale populations. With Woodside planning to start seismic blasting to assess gas reserves for its controversial Burrup Hub any day now, protecting whales and exposing the threats they face is more important than ever. Write to your MP and tell them you want a clean energy future, not Woodside’s dirty gas.

[button href=”https://greenpeace.org.au/act/clean-energy-transition” style=”emboss” size=”large” color=”#81d742″ hovercolor=”#7adb20″ textcolor=”#ffffff”]Email Your MP[/button]

Does news about the climate crisis seem to take a particularly heavy toll on your mental health? Then hi, welcome! You’re not alone. In fact, you actually join a not-so-exclusive club of almost half of all Australians.

According to a recent national poll conducted by the Climate Council, more than half (51%) of Aussies are “very worried” or “fairly worried” about climate change and extreme weather events in Australia.

It probably means that you or your loved ones have been directly impacted by climate change-fuelled disaster(s) in the past, or, like most other climate activists or climate-alarmed folk, you’re an empath who feels things deeply. IYKYK.

So if you’re reading this (firstly) kudos to you, fellow empath, for being exactly who you are! We think you are amazing. Have you tried harnessing that superpower into positive change for our planet yet? If not, here are eight steps to get you started:

Step One: Empower yourself

Let go of what you cannot control and take charge of what you can. Take a break and find activities that ground you again.

Segregating waste, utilising more public transport, reducing the use of single-use plastics in your life, installing a solar power grid at home, carrying out rainwater harvesting, and growing your own garden or just one indoor plant (bonus points if you can harvest some tasty fruits, herbs, or veggies!) are all ways to play your part – and bring you back to nature at the same time. Win-win!

Step Two: Get (and stay) inspired
Even superheroes need to refuel from time to time. So don’t forget to tailor your feed to include funny animal videos (trust us), and positive news stories and content. Some other great follows over on the ‘Gram include @jessharwoodart @sarah_lazarovic @futureearth and @gogreensavegreen

As far as podcasts go, “turn your climate anxiety into climate action”- the tagline of Greenpeace podcast Heaps Better says it all. Listen to learn more about how we can all become better planet savers!

And if inspirational, life-changing stories (with a happy ending) are what you need, head over to A Slight Change of Plans, a podcast by Dr. Maya Shankar. Dr. Shankar’s guests talk about the crossroads they faced in life and how they overcame them to come out better and brighter at the end of the tunnel.

Step Three: Connect IRL with other superheroes

Climate March in 2019 on Gadigal land, Sydney

Not all superheroes wear capes. And you’re likely to find a fellow hero for climate action right next to you at your next local climate rally, you can join your nearest Greenpeace Volunteer Hub, or even head to a local book club that is an ideal space to read and discuss new ideas with like-minded friends.

Whether it be rallying, reading cli-fi or self-help books, connecting and discussing your thoughts with others is a great way to declutter your thoughts and ease your mind.

Step Four: Talk it out with loved ones
Climate anxiety is real, and sometimes it can become a very heavy weight to bear – even for the strongest of superheroes. Never be afraid to reach out to trusted loved ones (or medical professional) when you need some extra support. 

Step Five: Help empower your elected representatives
Pick up the phone (or jump into your emails if you’d prefer) and give your elected representatives or candidates a (superhero) earful about the changes you want to see.

Step Six: Just be in nature from time to time

Go for a walk, head to the beach (or even your local pool!) or take a hike over the weekend, spend your next free afternoon in an observatory park or local conservation centre – or even just drink your morning tea or coffee outside next time!

Disconnecting from your screen is one of the quickest ways for any nature-loved like yourself to unwind from the busy world we all live in. 

Step Seven: Listen and learn from the Traditional Custodians of the land
As Waanyi nation member and award-winning author, Alexis Wright once said, “We say we have been here since time immemorial, and we understand that our resilience is intrinsically linked with the stories that tell of the ongoing, regenerative cycles of the world in which we live.”

Taking positive action to help heal our planet, cannot be done without being an ally (year-round) to the Traditional Custodians of the land.

Whether that means spending time to learn about and take care of the Country you are living on, or using your voice (and privilege) to fight for change, take the time to listen and learn from First Nations people. 

Step Eight: Join our community

Volunteers onboard the iconic Greenpeace ship the Rainbow Warrior during the first leg of its Making Oil History tour to draw attention to the threat posed by oil drilling to the Great Australian Bight in 2018.

We believe in the power (or should we say superpower) of many. And the strength of our work depends on the thousands of people who put their beliefs into action.

So why not get involved and join our crew to help give our planet the voice it deserves. Our team of volunteers help make the impossible, possible!

We recently uncovered that Woodside has dumped a rusty, dilapidated oil tower near UNESCO World Heritage listed Ningaloo reef off the West Australian coast – and it’s now sinking into the ocean. 

The oil tower from Woodside’s decommissioned Nganhurra oil rig is full of toxic chemicals such as plastic and polyurethane. These chemicals could leak into the pristine marine environment of Ningaloo Reef, famously home to whale sharks, pygmy blue whales and other spectacular and endangered ocean creatures. 

The truly shocking thing is that Woodside doesn’t have a credible plan to prevent a potential environmental disaster.

Investigations by the environmental movement last year found that Woodside’s original “plan” was to sink the toxic oil tower to create an artificial reef at Ningaloo. This dodgy plan, which flouted Australia’s international ocean protection obligations, was abandoned after it attracted public outrage.

Then in January of this year, Greenpeace found correspondence between Woodside and the offshore oil and gas regulator that shows that the oil tower is slowly sinking into the sea, and Woodside’s plans are inadequate to deal with this potential environmental emergency.

Woodside’s failure to clean up its trash poses unacceptable risks to Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s most precious and unique reef systems

Ningaloo is a marine biodiversity hot-spot, that could be devastated by a chemical spill. It’s home to whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, and the site of some of the world’s most  spectacular coral spawning events. It’s also home to more than 300 documented coral species, over 700 reef fish species, roughly 650 mollusc species, as well as around 600 crustacean species and more than 1,000 species of marine algae. It’s an ocean paradise we can’t afford to damage. 

Woodside needs to get its oil and gas trash out of our oceans. Join the growing opposition to Woodside’s toxic plans, and sign our petition to tell them to cut it out.

First identified living in the waters of the Indian Ocean and the South-West Pacific in 1966, Pygmy blue whales are an Australian-specific subspecies of blue whales, scientifically known as Balaenoptera musculus.

So besides the obvious size difference, what else makes this sets this subspecies apart from the real deal? 

Here are six interesting facts about Pygmy blue whales:

1. Blue-gene baby

They may look like something straight out of Avatar, but science tells us that Pygmy blue whales evolved from ‘true’ blue whales thousands of years ago, during the Earth’s Last Glacial Maximum.

It’s thought that the expansion of ice drove most of the blue whale population further north, and voila! Along came Pygmy blue whales.

2. It’s all in the nose

Feeding Pygmy blue whale off Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia.

Interestingly, Pygmy blue whales are believed to sing in a different language or “song” than other species of blue whale, avoiding interbreeding.

Other distinguishing characteristics of a Pygmy blue whale include a larger head and baleen plates, with a smaller tapering tail fluke.

They also have typically darker skin than other subspecies of blue whales, and their blowhole is a different shape too.

3. They may be small, but they are still mighty

A Pygmy blue whale can reach up to lengths of 24 meters and weigh up to 90 tonnes (‘true’ blue whales can reach lengths of up to 30 meters and 200 tonnes).

ICYWW: That’s ten African elephants!

4. They are gentle giants of the sea

Krill, Euphausia superba, represent a critical component of the Antarctic food web, providing food for fish, whales, seals, penguins, albatross and other seabirds, as well as marine invertebrates.

It’s ironic that the largest living animals on the planet feed on the smallest, don’t you think?!

Similar to other baleen whales, Pygmy blue whales meet their nutritional requirements to sustain their heavy bodies by feeding on small crustaceans (aka krill).

Scientists believe that some Pygmy blue whale populations may inhibit a particular area throughout the year, whilst others undertake an annual migration to Antarctica.

5. They are a whale of wisdom

The estimated life cycle of a Pygmy blue whale is thought to be similar to human beings, around 70 to 90 years. However, we are still learning about these majestic creatures of the deep, and their true lifespan remains a mystery to scientists.

6. And sadly considered an Endangered species

Greenpeace volunteer holds a banner in 1000m deep water in Gascoyne Marine Park.
Taken on a Greenpeace boat tour to document and bear witness to landscapes and marine life that may be affected by Woodside’s planned gas expansion project off Western Australia.

The Pygmy blue whale is currently listed as Endangered under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

Sightings are extremely rare. And ongoing threats from boat strikes, unsustainable fishing practices, oil spills, plastic, and noise pollution, plus others, means their recovery rates remain largely a mystery to scientists.

This is especially concerning with gas giant Woodside Energy currently trying to conduct seismic blasting in Western Australia as part of its deep-sea gas drilling project in the Burrup Hub.

You can help us fight back and protect majestic marine life like the Pygmy blue whale by signing our petition here.

From toothed whales such as orcas to the largest living animal on our planet, the blue whale. It’s no secret that we just really love whales.

To help celebrate World Whale Day, here are just some moments over the past 50 years of Greenpeace fighting to protect the gentle giants of the sea.

1. Greenpeace’s first anti-whaling campaign

Rex Weyler (standing) with Bob Hunter on the right, as the Phyllis Cormack and crew return to Vancouver from the 1975 whale campaign. The Vega drifts in distance, to the left.

In the summer of 1975, Greenpeace set sail on its first anti-whaling campaign in the North Pacific Ocean.

Here the brave crew confronted the activities of the Soviet whaling fleet onboard Grenepeace’s first vessel, the Phyllis Cormack. 

2. Helping to establish a moratorium on commercial whaling

Four Greenpeace climbers abseil down the front of the Auckland Sheraton hotel where an IWC meeting was taking place.

Throughout the 1970’s, Greenpeace continued to shine a spotlight on the whaling industry in a way that the world had never seen before.

And after a decade of committed campaigning to ‘Save the Whales’, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) voted on a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1982 – marking the virtual end of large-scale whaling around the world.

3. Taking action against seismic testing

Greenpeace action in Australia against oil giant BHP’s seismic testing in 1991. Thanks to the effort of the crew, seismic testing was prevented from continuing on this occasion.

Unfortunately, Woodside Energy’s current deep-sea gas proposal on the Burrup Hub is not the first time Greenpeace has helped fight off seismic testing in Australian waters.

In 1991, the Rainbow Warrior confronted fossil fuel giant BHP Biliton’s ship, WESTERN ODYSSEY, which was seismic testing for offshore oil at the time.

4. And against destructive fishing methods

Greenpeace activists hang a 30 meter long drift net on the side of a school ship in 1998

In 1998, Greenpeace activists joined 35 Greenteam children onboard their school ship on the River Danube, Vienna, to protest against harmful drift nets.

The Greenteam joined activists in tying paper models of different kinds of bycatch, including dolphins, whales and turtles.

5. Defending the Southern Ocean’s whale sanctuary

Inflatables from the Greenpeace ship MY Esperanza hold banners and utilise all measures available during the 2005 Southern Ocean Tour in an attempt to bring the whaling hunt to an early end, and make it the last time the Sanctuary is breached by whalers.

By 2005, Greenpeace continued to document the undermining of the moratorium on commercial whaling, and the Southern Ocean’s whale sanctuary which was established in 1994.

During the Southern Ocean Tour, Greenpeace ship MY Esperanza fought to expose the continued involvement of companies in the whaling industry.

6. People vs. Oil in the Great Australian Bight

South Australian community representatives and activists tell Norwegian oil major Statoil their oil rigs are not welcome in the Great Australian Bight in 2018

In 2020, Norwegian oil giant Statoil-Equinor pulled the plug on its plans to drill for oil in the fragile Great Australian Bight, one of the most important whale sanctuaries on Earth.

This historic win was thanks to relentless campaigning by coastal communities, Indigenous traditional owners, NGOs, surfers, the seafood industry, tourism operators, and other local businesses.

…Hooray for people power!

7. Fighting for a Global Plastics Treaty

Greenpeace activists present a six-meter tall plastic sculpture of whales in Zagreb in 2018

We know that plastic is wreaking havoc in our oceans – and unfortunately that means for whales too.

That’s why Greenpeace has been actively involved in making sure our precious marine life has a voice when it comes to plastic waste.

Greenpeace is currently campaigning for a legally-binding Global Plastics Treaty, which would limit plastic production and use for our human rights, our biodiversity, and our climate.

8. AND a Global Oceans Treaty!

Greenpeace volunteers hold up large paper panels saying “Stop illegal Fishing! Protect the Oceans” in South Korea in 2019

Protecting whales and our oceans go hand-in-hand, that’s why Greenpeace is campaigning for a strong Global Oceans Treaty that would see one-third of the world’s oceans protected from industrial activity by 2030.

This will build resilience against a changing climate, and ensure species (including whales) rebound and flourish into the future.

9. Protect the Oceans Research Expedition

Scientist, Dr Kirsten Thompson, lead scientist on the Arctic Sunrise uses a hydrophone to listen for whales in 2020 in Antarctica

Back in 2020, Greenpeace returned to the Antarctic during the last stage of the polar-to-polar Protect The Oceans Expedition.

Teaming up with a group of scientists, Greenpeace helped investigate and document the impacts the climate crisis is already having in this area.

10. Whales not Woodside

Greenpeace volunteer holds a banner in 1000m deep water in Gascoyne Marine Park, Western Australia in 2022

Right now, Greenpeace is embarking on its next fight to protect whales in Western Australia, where fossil fuel giant Woodside Energy wants to commence seismic blasting as part of its proposed deep-sea gas project in the Burrup Hub.

It’s the most polluting fossil fuel proposal in Australia today. And if completed, Woodside would produce gas until 2070.

Get involved in the fight for #WhalesNotWoodside today.

Our planet’s oceans face a lot of danger from human activity. Industrial fishing, deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and global warming are all affecting our blue planet.

Scientists have informed us that by 2030 we need to protect a third of the ocean if we are to avoid the worst effects of climate change. 30 x 30, to allow the ocean to heal.

Greenpeace has been conducting research in the Antarctic for presentation to UN meetings that have been taking place throughout the year. Our aim is to raise support for a Global Ocean Treaty that will see 30% of our oceans protected as marine sanctuaries.

In 2019, the Greenpeace ship Esperanza embarked on a pole-to-pole voyage to document human impact on our oceans. The final stop was to Antarctica in 2020, one of the places furthest from human civilisation. Even here, there were still clear impacts such as fishing tools and nets floating in the water.

Celebrating 3 years of work on this campaign, we took our supporters behind the scenes with a digital event in March this year. Journalist and activist Julia Zanolli was involved in the recent Greenpeace research expedition to the Antarctic. She said that due to the remote location of the Antarctic, Greenpeace is one of few organisations with the resources available to study this area.

“Sometimes people ask; what’s your relationship with scientists? How does it work? We pretty much give them a lift. We make sure they can reach places that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to,” she said at the digital event.

This year Greenpeace took scientists to remote areas in the Antarctic to research how the climate crisis and fishing is affecting penguin populations in these places, using a mix of drone technology and artificial intelligence in order to keep track of penguin numbers.

We also provided these scientists with submarines to help document important evidence found underwater. The team were able to dive in 12 different locations never seen before by humans. Providing a stable internet connection also proved essential to Greenpeace’s ability to relay information to the media and update the rest of the world on their findings.

As you can imagine, these technologies do not come cheap and the reason we can afford these assets is truly due to generous supporters like you who believe in our cause.

“These stories wouldn’t have gotten out if it wasn’t for Greenpeace and people like you supporting our work,” Julia said.

None of our actions would be possible without your generous support. It allows us to operate independently and strategically, to respond quickly to environmental news, and to showcase
inspiring stories of ordinary people taking a stand against climate change.

The crew of the Esperanza hold a banner reading “Thank you”, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica.