greenpeace--2020-06-25--Amazon is Delivering Destruction

Amazon is Delivering Destruction

We can ’ t let corporations like Amazon get away with this hypocrisy while our country faces the pandemic and systemic racist violence .
Amazon and the world ’ s richest man , Jeff Bezos , keep piling on hypocrisy after hypocrisy : • In the last month , Amazon has touted its “ Climate Pledge , ” while continuing to provide cutting edge computing technology for oil corporations to transport , refine , and sell more oil • Amazon ’ s own operations are producing more carbon pollution compared to last year • Amazon ’ s PR team has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the company fired others who spoke out for safer working conditions • While Bezos took to Instagram to hollowly claim solidarity with Black Lives Matter , Amazon continued to reap profits by providing surveillance technology to racist police departments and ICE We can ’ t let corporations like Amazon get away with this hypocrisy while our country faces the pandemic and systemic racist violence .
More than ever , we need to do what Greenpeace does best : harness people power to expose the elites who profit from harming communities and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counted among those resisting corporate hypocrisy and forcing these mega-corporations to do better .
We ’ re facing a critical fundraising deadline on June 30 .
What we raise this week will determine how big our campaigns challenging polluters like Amazon , confronting the plastic industry , and resisting the Trump administration ’ s policies will be for the second half of the year .
Luckily , a group of generous benefactors has agreed to match all online donations this week for donations up to $ 25,000 .
If you want people power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to unlock these funds .
I ’ ve never seen a moment like this , when people power can change everything .
On the morning of May 25th , I stood in the empty streets of Seattle across from the glass spheres and imposing office buildings owned by Amazon .
Amazon ’ s annual shareholder meeting was the next day and , despite the shelter-in-place order , I needed to make sure Jeff Bezos couldn ’ t hide the abuse of workers in the pandemic or his technology ’ s role in fueling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world changed .
George Floyd was murdered by the police .
With rage and grief , people flooded into the streets to demand justice .
Now , our interlocking crises – the pandemic , white supremacy , and planetary destruction – could not be more clear .
Our system allows corporations like Amazon to profit from all three , while ensuring that Black , Latinx , and Indigenous people are disproportionately harmed .
They face more exposure to COVID-19 as Essential Workers , bear the overwhelming brunt of inequity and police violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industrial air pollution , heat waves , and strengthening storms driven by the fossil fuel industry .
The same system that allows corporate and political elites to destroy the environment allows them to harm Black and Brown communities .
Clearly , we must change the whole damn system .
And you , as a Greenpeacer , have a clear role to play in challenging the big corporate polluters that hold up and profit from this system .
Our hard-hitting investigations , actions , and mobilizations have put corporate boardrooms on edge for years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planet !
Greenpeace is no stranger to challenging the tech industry , so you know your generous donation will have a big impact .
Following Greenpeace campaigns , corporations like Apple , Facebook , and Google have adopted sweeping measures to power their energy-hungry data centers with wind and solar .
Just last month , Google announced it would not build custom solutions for the oil and gas corporations cooking the planet .
Now , we know from their PR spin that Amazon is feeling the heat from our investigations exposing their oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surveillance contracts .
Big Tech is just one of the industries we are facing down ( we ’ re looking at you , Oil and Plastic ) .
It ’ s time to show once and for all that people power is greater than corporate power and the political elites that hold it up .
And that won ’ t happen without you .

Amazon is Delivering Destruction
We can’t let corporations like Amazon get away with this hypocrisy while our country faces the pandemic and systemic racist violence.
Amazon and the world’s richest man, Jeff Bezos, keep piling on hypocrisy after hypocrisy:
In the last month, Amazon has touted its “Climate Pledge,” while continuing to provide cutting edge computing technology for oil corporations to transport, refine, and sell more oil
Amazon’s own operations are producing more carbon pollution compared to last year
Amazon’s PR team has boasted about COVID-19 safety for workers, while the company fired others who spoke out for safer working conditions
While Bezos took to Instagram to hollowly claim solidarity with Black Lives Matter, Amazon continued to reap profits by providing surveillance technology to racist police departments and ICE
We can’t let corporations like Amazon get away with this hypocrisy while our country faces the pandemic and systemic racist violence. More than ever, we need to do what Greenpeace does best: harness people power to expose the elites who profit from harming communities and the planet.
We need you to be counted among those resisting corporate hypocrisy and forcing these mega-corporations to do better. We’re facing a critical fundraising deadline on June 30. What we raise this week will determine how big our campaigns challenging polluters like Amazon, confronting the plastic industry, and resisting the Trump administration’s policies will be for the second half of the year.
Luckily, a group of generous benefactors has agreed to match all online donations this week for donations up to $25,000. If you want people power to overcome polluter power, we have to unlock these funds. I’ve never seen a moment like this, when people power can change everything.
On the morning of May 25th, I stood in the empty streets of Seattle across from the glass spheres and imposing office buildings owned by Amazon. Amazon’s annual shareholder meeting was the next day and, despite the shelter-in-place order, I needed to make sure Jeff Bezos couldn’t hide the abuse of workers in the pandemic or his technology’s role in fueling climate-destroying oil companies.
That night, the world changed. George Floyd was murdered by the police. With rage and grief, people flooded into the streets to demand justice.
Now, our interlocking crises – the pandemic, white supremacy, and planetary destruction – could not be more clear. Our system allows corporations like Amazon to profit from all three, while ensuring that Black, Latinx, and Indigenous people are disproportionately harmed. They face more exposure to COVID-19 as Essential Workers, bear the overwhelming brunt of inequity and police violence, and live in communities facing the industrial air pollution, heat waves, and strengthening storms driven by the fossil fuel industry. The same system that allows corporate and political elites to destroy the environment allows them to harm Black and Brown communities.
Clearly, we must change the whole damn system. And you, as a Greenpeacer, have a clear role to play in challenging the big corporate polluters that hold up and profit from this system. Our hard-hitting investigations, actions, and mobilizations have put corporate boardrooms on edge for years, generating tangible wins for people and planet!
Greenpeace is no stranger to challenging the tech industry, so you know your generous donation will have a big impact. Following Greenpeace campaigns, corporations like Apple, Facebook, and Google have adopted sweeping measures to power their energy-hungry data centers with wind and solar. Just last month, Google announced it would not build custom solutions for the oil and gas corporations cooking the planet. Now, we know from their PR spin that Amazon is feeling the heat from our investigations exposing their oil industry contracts and our allies exposing their surveillance contracts.
Big Tech is just one of the industries we are facing down (we’re looking at you, Oil and Plastic). It’s time to show once and for all that people power is greater than corporate power and the political elites that hold it up. And that won’t happen without you.
Donate now


greenpeace--2020-07-01--The human cost of oil: How Indigenous and ethnic minorities bear the brunt of disasters

As Vladimir Putin declared a state of emergency , a flurry of ecologists , journalists , and officials scrambled to the area .
But the public interest is always brief .
The Komi Republic in northwest Russia suffers almost constant , smaller-scale oil spills , the likes of which amount to more than two Deepwater Horizons across the country every year .
The people both of Komi and of the Siberian Taimyr region share a particular misfortune of being remote enough that the disasters taking place in their homelands escape attention .
As with so many environmental and human wrongs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups .
Imagine : one day , all the shops and amenities just close .
What now ?
The nearest store is several hundred miles away , and the land and water are overwhelmed with oil .
How do you eat ?
Towns like Khatanga , a short distance down the road , have experienced record-shattering heatwaves , exacerbated by the warming of Earth brought about by fossil fuel burning .
Greenpeace Russia spoke with the Chair of the Association of Indigenous Minorities of the Taimyr Krasnoyarsk Territory , Grigory Dyukarev .
Greenpeace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene ?
Grigory Dyukarev : I was not at the scene of the accident .
Apparently , the government is making a serious effort to eliminate the consequences .
But the problem is that not all diesel can be removed , so water resources will be catastrophically affected .
This accident is devastating to our economy .
The river is spawning , and our people go fishing there .
In general , the river feeds us .
It is… like a supermarket for you .
In the city you can go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tundra .
And if the river is polluted , there will be no more fish for us .
But we will lose not only fish .
A wild deer is likely to change migration routes , so we will have to travel hundreds of kilometers for hunting .
Norilsk Nickel [ the Russian mining company ] got off easily .
They only lose money ; we lose water , land , wildlife , fish resources , and the ability to provide our families with minimum income .
Greenpeace Russia : Taimyr has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Have there been similar accidents before ?
Grigory Dyukarev : We never had such global spills , but there were emissions into the atmosphere from local plants .
Nornickel is already historically one of the main polluters .
It ’ s impossible to stay in the city [ Norilsk ] now for a long time — I don ’ t even know how the citizens of Norilsk feel .
Earlier in Soviet times , we could tolerate it , because then Nornickel helped with house building ; they relocated people from contaminated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social responsibility .
Today it is a private company with private interests .
Here is an example for you : last year they finally decided to build a new settlement , Tukhard , within the framework of the signed memorandum between the governor of the region and the general director of Norilsk Nickel .
The old village is located next to the methanol warehouse—in fact , people lived in the plant area .
And what is the result ?
They abandoned the construction .
They built houses , a number of infrastructure facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either heating or electricity .
As a result , these houses still stand empty , and due to condensation they became unusable .
We can safely say that they are simply irresponsible both from the environmental side and the social side .
Greenpeace Russia : Do you get help from local authorities ?
Grigory Dyukarev : So far , we have not received any proposals from the administration .
Now we have prepared a letter to the President of the Russian Federation , Vladimir Putin .
We work within the laws currently in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantees the rights of Indigenous People .
We propose the adoption of a support program after this disaster .
Everything will take time to be restored .
It will take years , I think .
At least ten .
We believe the program should include mandatory environmental monitoring with the participation of indigenous people , the restoration of aquatic biological resources affected by the accident , and the payment of damage .
And we are absolutely sure , Russia must tighten environmental legislation , especially in fragile ecosystems like the Arctic .
Greenpeace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of climate change in Taymyr ?
Grigory Dyukarev : We have been observing climate change for a long time .
Winters have become warmer .
The temperature in the reservoirs , including in the Yenisey , have increased .
This temperature regime of water is uncomfortable for fish ; it goes in depth , the migration paths change .
There are fewer fish in the river now .
There are a number of uncommon insects appearing in our region , for example , grasshoppers .
Moreover , there are more bears , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saddest thing for us is the thawing of the soil .
We have houses on stilts and it is not clear how nature will behave further .
To support Greenpeace Russia and people like Grigory in pushing for environmental controls , sign the petition ( in Russian ) .
Olesia Vikulova is the Media Coordinator at Greenpeace Russia

As Vladimir Putin declared a state of emergency, a flurry of ecologists, journalists, and officials scrambled to the area. But the public interest is always brief.
The Komi Republic in northwest Russia suffers almost constant, smaller-scale oil spills, the likes of which amount to more than two Deepwater Horizons across the country every year. The people both of Komi and of the Siberian Taimyr region share a particular misfortune of being remote enough that the disasters taking place in their homelands escape attention.
As with so many environmental and human wrongs, the damage lands heaviest on minority groups. Imagine: one day, all the shops and amenities just close. What now? The nearest store is several hundred miles away, and the land and water are overwhelmed with oil. How do you eat?
Towns like Khatanga, a short distance down the road, have experienced record-shattering heatwaves, exacerbated by the warming of Earth brought about by fossil fuel burning. Greenpeace Russia spoke with the Chair of the Association of Indigenous Minorities of the Taimyr Krasnoyarsk Territory, Grigory Dyukarev.
Greenpeace Russia: What is the situation at the scene?
Grigory Dyukarev: I was not at the scene of the accident. Apparently, the government is making a serious effort to eliminate the consequences. But the problem is that not all diesel can be removed, so water resources will be catastrophically affected.
This accident is devastating to our economy. The river is spawning, and our people go fishing there. In general, the river feeds us. It is… like a supermarket for you. In the city you can go to the store, but we live in a tundra. And if the river is polluted, there will be no more fish for us.
But we will lose not only fish. A wild deer is likely to change migration routes, so we will have to travel hundreds of kilometers for hunting.
Norilsk Nickel [the Russian mining company] got off easily. They only lose money; we lose water, land, wildlife, fish resources, and the ability to provide our families with minimum income.
Greenpeace Russia: Taimyr has long been considered an ecologically unfavorable region. Have there been similar accidents before?
Grigory Dyukarev: We never had such global spills, but there were emissions into the atmosphere from local plants. Nornickel is already historically one of the main polluters. It’s impossible to stay in the city [Norilsk] now for a long time — I don’t even know how the citizens of Norilsk feel.
Earlier in Soviet times, we could tolerate it, because then Nornickel helped with house building; they relocated people from contaminated and industrial areas. They had a social responsibility. Today it is a private company with private interests.
Here is an example for you: last year they finally decided to build a new settlement, Tukhard, within the framework of the signed memorandum between the governor of the region and the general director of Norilsk Nickel. The old village is located next to the methanol warehouse—in fact, people lived in the plant area. And what is the result? They abandoned the construction. They built houses, a number of infrastructure facilities, but did not connect them to either heating or electricity. As a result, these houses still stand empty, and due to condensation they became unusable.
We can safely say that they are simply irresponsible both from the environmental side and the social side.
Greenpeace Russia: Do you get help from local authorities?
Grigory Dyukarev: So far, we have not received any proposals from the administration. Now we have prepared a letter to the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. We work within the laws currently in force in Russia—this is the law that guarantees the rights of Indigenous People. We propose the adoption of a support program after this disaster. Everything will take time to be restored. It will take years, I think. At least ten.
We believe the program should include mandatory environmental monitoring with the participation of indigenous people, the restoration of aquatic biological resources affected by the accident, and the payment of damage. And we are absolutely sure, Russia must tighten environmental legislation, especially in fragile ecosystems like the Arctic.
Greenpeace Russia: Do you feel the effects of climate change in Taymyr?
Grigory Dyukarev: We have been observing climate change for a long time. Winters have become warmer. The temperature in the reservoirs, including in the Yenisey, have increased. This temperature regime of water is uncomfortable for fish; it goes in depth, the migration paths change. There are fewer fish in the river now. There are a number of uncommon insects appearing in our region, for example, grasshoppers. Moreover, there are more bears, they come to the north.
But the saddest thing for us is the thawing of the soil. We have houses on stilts and it is not clear how nature will behave further.
To support Greenpeace Russia and people like Grigory in pushing for environmental controls, sign the petition (in Russian).
Olesia Vikulova is the Media Coordinator at Greenpeace Russia


greenpeace--2020-07-01--How to Participate in Plastic Free July 2020

How to Participate in Plastic Free July 2020 Plastic Free July begins today , and it provides an opportunity for us to choose a future with cleaner communities and oceans through refusing single-use plastics .
Here ’ s how you can get involved !
We live in a broken system , where corporations create and perpetuate a throwaway culture to plague our world with disposable products , giving us virtually no choice but to purchase plastics in some way .
Our oceans are slowly turning into a plastic soup , and the effects on ocean life are chilling .
Discarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and seabirds , and plastic pieces of all sizes choke and clog the stomachs of creatures who mistake it for food , from tiny zooplankton to whales .
Plastic is now entering every level of the ocean food chain and is even ending up in the seafood on our plates .
In addition to that , plastic production is polluting communities of Black , Indigenous , and people of color ( BIPOC ) .
Plastic starts in the ground as a fossil fuel .
The process that transforms those fossil fuels into plastics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the air , polluting the surrounding communities .
This pollution results in a slew of health problems for local residents including cancer , cardiovascular and respiratory disease , and childhood leukemia .
The communities affected and poisoned are disproportionately those of BIPOC .
But it doesn ’ t have to be this way .
We are calling on big corporations to act to reduce their plastic footprint – and stop producing plastic packaging that is designed to be used once then thrown away .
Until corporations find ways to deliver their products to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single-use plastics , reducing and refusing these disposable plastics is important in fighting the plastic pollution crisis .
Plastic Free July is a global movement that empowers millions of people to choose a future with cleaner communities and oceans through refusing single-use plastics .
It is a great opportunity to get people thinking and talking about plastic pollution as well as the alternatives and solutions we must advocate for .
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic , people around the world are demonstrating that a life free from unnecessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This year ’ s Plastic Free July will continue paving the way to # BreakFreeFromPlastic while encouraging principles built on a just recovery from the pandemic .
Head to Break Free From Plastic ’ s website to learn about the principles for a just recovery in building towards a better normal .
So , how do you participate ?
All you have to do is commit to one month of trying to avoid disposable plastic .
You can challenge yourself and commit in different levels .
• None disposable item to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , coffee cups , grocery bags , or water bottles , and create a new solid habit of using your own reusables !
• None Intermediate : You can commit to eliminating all those top four ( single-use plastic straws , coffee cups , grocery bags , or water bottles ) or another mixture of single-use plastic items you notice frequently popping up in your lifestyle .
• None Expert : You can go all in and avoid all disposable plastic all month !
If you need guidance , you can find lots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July website !
The great thing about Plastic Free July is that it ’ s only a month-long commitment .
It gives us the opportunity to challenge ourselves to do better on the individual level and see if the lifestyle changes are something we can commit to in the long term .
The first time I participated was in July 2017 .
I was already using reusable water bottles and bags , but I started to think more critically about my waste footprint .
At the end of that month , I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue employing in my daily life , and I was inspired to do more , to do better , and to live much more consciously than I had been .
It ’ s important to keep in mind when going into the Plastic Free July commitment that reducing plastic in our lives , even just for one month , can be very difficult and time-consuming .
For many people , plastic-free options are not feasible , accessible , or affordable .
We are living in a broken system , and to combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to stop plastics at the source .
If your bathtub was overflowing , you wouldn ’ t immediately reach for a mop .
You would first turn off the tap .
That ’ s what we need to do with plastics .
So , this Plastic Free July , advocate for the elimination of single-use plastics with us .
Demand big corporations to act to reduce their plastic footprint now !
When I started my Plastic Free July commitment , I had wonderful resources and a community that made it such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know where to start when it comes to ditching disposables , and it can be daunting .
Below are a few activists to follow for Plastic Free July inspiration !
They share guidance , advice , tips , and you can follow along with their Plastic Free July and zero waste journeys on social media .
They ’ re a good reminder that you ’ re not alone , but a part of a wider community seeking to live with a lower impact on our earth .
Kristy is an activist who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inclusive , equitable , and accessible environmental field .
She will be sharing her experiences with Plastic Free July throughout the month !
Isaias is a vegan and zero waste activist who makes accessible environmental education content and seeks to provide a safe space for other like-minded environmentalists to engage in the discourse of the current climate crisis .
Kate has lived without single-use plastics for over a decade !
She is also involved in activism to hold corporations accountable for the waste they create , last year she even joined Greenpeace on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an eco-activist and the founder of Intersectional Environmentalist , a platform for resources , information and action steps to support intersectional environmentalism and dismantle systems of oppression in the environmental movement , led by environmental activists and sustainability advocates .
On her page , Heidi has shared her natural remedies and recipes for beauty products that help make plastic waste unnecessary .
She is no longer active on Instagram , but her page remains up for reference for anyone looking to lower their waste .
Cindy is a Garden Ranger who strives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her experiences with the intersection of this lifestyle with her outdoor recreation .
She invites people into her lifestyle through leading by example and creating a conversation around it .
Shia is zero waste , plastic and palm oil-free , minimalist , and vegan .
She does it all and doesn ’ t forget the importance of system change in addressing these issues .
Her feed is full of great inspiration for anyone embarking on these journeys !
Elizabeth is zero waste activist who will be taking the Plastic Free July challenge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for transitioning into a waste-free lifestyle !
Marie speaks and acts on climate activism in the frame of its many intersections with social and racial justice issues .
She aims to make sustainability accessible while equipping people with actionable steps to move towards addressing the root causes of environmental issues .

How to Participate in Plastic Free July 2020
Plastic Free July begins today, and it provides an opportunity for us to choose a future with cleaner communities and oceans through refusing single-use plastics. Here’s how you can get involved!
We live in a broken system, where corporations create and perpetuate a throwaway culture to plague our world with disposable products, giving us virtually no choice but to purchase plastics in some way.
Our oceans are slowly turning into a plastic soup, and the effects on ocean life are chilling. Discarded plastic fishing lines trap and entangle turtles and seabirds, and plastic pieces of all sizes choke and clog the stomachs of creatures who mistake it for food, from tiny zooplankton to whales. Plastic is now entering every level of the ocean food chain and is even ending up in the seafood on our plates.
In addition to that, plastic production is polluting communities of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Plastic starts in the ground as a fossil fuel. The process that transforms those fossil fuels into plastics releases large amounts of toxic chemicals into the air, polluting the surrounding communities. This pollution results in a slew of health problems for local residents including cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and childhood leukemia. The communities affected and poisoned are disproportionately those of BIPOC.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. We are calling on big corporations to act to reduce their plastic footprint – and stop producing plastic packaging that is designed to be used once then thrown away.
Until corporations find ways to deliver their products to us that don’t involve destructive single-use plastics, reducing and refusing these disposable plastics is important in fighting the plastic pollution crisis.
Today marks the beginning of Plastic Free July 2020!
Plastic Free July is a global movement that empowers millions of people to choose a future with cleaner communities and oceans through refusing single-use plastics. It is a great opportunity to get people thinking and talking about plastic pollution as well as the alternatives and solutions we must advocate for.
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, people around the world are demonstrating that a life free from unnecessary plastic and disposable material is still possible. This year’s Plastic Free July will continue paving the way to #BreakFreeFromPlastic while encouraging principles built on a just recovery from the pandemic. Head to Break Free From Plastic’s website to learn about the principles for a just recovery in building towards a better normal.
So, how do you participate?
All you have to do is commit to one month of trying to avoid disposable plastic. You can challenge yourself and commit in different levels.
Beginner: You can pick one disposable item to avoid all month, like single-use plastic straws, coffee cups, grocery bags, or water bottles, and create a new solid habit of using your own reusables!
Intermediate: You can commit to eliminating all those top four (single-use plastic straws, coffee cups, grocery bags, or water bottles) or another mixture of single-use plastic items you notice frequently popping up in your lifestyle.
Expert: You can go all in and avoid all disposable plastic all month!
If you need guidance, you can find lots of it on the official Plastic Free July website!
The great thing about Plastic Free July is that it’s only a month-long commitment. It gives us the opportunity to challenge ourselves to do better on the individual level and see if the lifestyle changes are something we can commit to in the long term.
The first time I participated was in July 2017. I was already using reusable water bottles and bags, but I started to think more critically about my waste footprint. At the end of that month, I had created new habits that I was happy to continue employing in my daily life, and I was inspired to do more, to do better, and to live much more consciously than I had been.
It’s important to keep in mind when going into the Plastic Free July commitment that reducing plastic in our lives, even just for one month, can be very difficult and time-consuming. For many people, plastic-free options are not feasible, accessible, or affordable. We are living in a broken system, and to combat the issue of plastic pollution, we need to stop plastics at the source. If your bathtub was overflowing, you wouldn’t immediately reach for a mop. You would first turn off the tap. That’s what we need to do with plastics. So, this Plastic Free July, advocate for the elimination of single-use plastics with us. Demand big corporations to act to reduce their plastic footprint now!
Need some inspiration?
When I started my Plastic Free July commitment, I had wonderful resources and a community that made it such a great experience. Many people don’t know where to start when it comes to ditching disposables, and it can be daunting.
Below are a few activists to follow for Plastic Free July inspiration! They share guidance, advice, tips, and you can follow along with their Plastic Free July and zero waste journeys on social media. They’re a good reminder that you’re not alone, but a part of a wider community seeking to live with a lower impact on our earth.
Brown Girl Green
Kristy is an activist who is focused on creating a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible environmental field. She will be sharing her experiences with Plastic Free July throughout the month!
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brown Girl Green 😎🌞🌴 (@browngirl_green) on Jun 24, 2020 at 1:56pm PDT
Isaias is a vegan and zero waste activist who makes accessible environmental education content and seeks to provide a safe space for other like-minded environmentalists to engage in the discourse of the current climate crisis.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Queer Brown Vegan 🌈 (@queerbrownvegan) on Apr 20, 2020 at 10:47am PDT
Kate has lived without single-use plastics for over a decade! She is also involved in activism to hold corporations accountable for the waste they create, last year she even joined Greenpeace on the Plastic Monster Ship Tour.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by mermaid (@plasticfreemermaid) on Jan 5, 2019 at 4:45pm PST
Leah is an eco-activist and the founder of Intersectional Environmentalist, a platform for resources, information and action steps to support intersectional environmentalism and dismantle systems of oppression in the environmental movement, led by environmental activists and sustainability advocates.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leah Thomas (@greengirlleah) on May 2, 2020 at 10:55am PDT
On her page, Heidi has shared her natural remedies and recipes for beauty products that help make plastic waste unnecessary. She is no longer active on Instagram, but her page remains up for reference for anyone looking to lower their waste.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heidi Violet (@zerowastechica) on Aug 27, 2017 at 3:17pm PDT
Cindy is a Garden Ranger who strives for a low waste lifestyle and shares her experiences with the intersection of this lifestyle with her outdoor recreation. She invites people into her lifestyle through leading by example and creating a conversation around it.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cindy Villaseñor (@cerowastecindy) on Apr 25, 2020 at 7:17pm PDT
Shia is zero waste, plastic and palm oil-free, minimalist, and vegan. She does it all and doesn’t forget the importance of system change in addressing these issues. Her feed is full of great inspiration for anyone embarking on these journeys!
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shia Su, Vegan Zero Waste Nerd (@_wastelandrebel_) on May 28, 2020 at 4:10am PDT
Elizabeth is zero waste activist who will be taking the Plastic Free July challenge. She provides great educational resources and tips for transitioning into a waste-free lifestyle!
View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🌿Elizabeth🌿 (@zerowastecutie) on Oct 29, 2018 at 7:18am PDT
Waste Free Marie
Marie speaks and acts on climate activism in the frame of its many intersections with social and racial justice issues. She aims to make sustainability accessible while equipping people with actionable steps to move towards addressing the root causes of environmental issues.


greenpeace--2020-06-29--Planeta G, our new web series with a Latinx spin

Planeta G , our new web series with a Latinx spin Planeta G is a bi-weekly web series about the intersection between the environmental movement and our Latinx identity .
Together , we will unpack the latest news , centering Latinx activists , our friends , and our families .
Welcome to our planet—Planeta G !
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest project , a bi-weekly web series about the intersection between the environmental movement and our Latinx identity .
Together , we will unpack the latest news , tweets , and memes of the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends , and our families .
Because of COVID-19 , the episodes are recorded in our homes , which opens up a world of opportunities to invite people from all over the world to join us on the show .
According to a recent Yale study , over 70 % of Latinx people in the United States are concerned about the environment .
Latinx people play an integral part in the environmental movement , and it ’ s about time our experiences are brought to the forefront .
It ’ s no coincidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are most impacted by the climate crisis .
We ’ re often not given the same access to adequate healthcare , education , and housing as our white counterparts .
We need to rise up as a community and assert our rightful space at the table .
On the show , we will discuss topics such as climate activism , intersectionality , voting and election suppression , and single-use plastic .
Special guests , from popular influencers to Greenpeace Latinx staff , will come on each show to have these crucial conversations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who We Are I am Colombian-Puertorican-American queer womxn from North Jersey .
Although born in the US , my grandmother raised me in Barranquilla , Colombia while my parents worked hard to establish themselves in the US as first-generation immigrants .
I moved back to the US when I was 8 years old .
I began my career in communications by working to advance reproductive health access in the US and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay .
I am a senior communications specialist at Greenpeace USA .
Valentina : I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My mother is a Jewish-Chilean journalist , who had to escape during the Pinochet dictatorship .
She found herself in Austria , where she met my father .
I was born in Europe and spent my childhood among Chilean refugees and visiting my family in Santiago .
I moved to the US when I was 16 and after studying poetry and politics , started working with the farmworker movement and in the international environmental justice world .
I am a senior communications specialist at Greenpeace USA , and can ’ t wait to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories with you !
I am the daughter of two journalists .
My mother is a Jewish-Chilean journalist , who had to escape during the Pinochet dictatorship .
She found herself in Austria , where she met my father .
I was born in Europe and spent my childhood among Chilean refugees and visiting my family in Santiago .
I moved to the US when I was 16 and after studying poetry and politics , started working with the farmworker movement and in the international environmental justice world .
I am a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t wait to share badass , captivating , and powerful stories with you !
So , get your empanadas , your mate gourds , and your cumbia jams and join us on our Greenpeace YouTube channel every Monday at 2 PM ET .
Watch our first episode on Latinx and Climate Justice , starting Monday June 29 at 2pm ET .
In the meantime , check out our teaser episode and tell us what you think about # PlanetaG !

Planeta G, our new web series with a Latinx spin
Planeta G is a bi-weekly web series about the intersection between the environmental movement and our Latinx identity. Together, we will unpack the latest news, centering Latinx activists, our friends, and our families.
Planeta G is Greenpeace USA’s new series about Latinx environmentalism, where nuestras voices are at the forefront.
By Crystal and Valentina
Welcome to our planet—Planeta G!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest project, a bi-weekly web series about the intersection between the environmental movement and our Latinx identity. Together, we will unpack the latest news, tweets, and memes of the moment, while centering Latinx activists, our friends, and our families. Because of COVID-19, the episodes are recorded in our homes, which opens up a world of opportunities to invite people from all over the world to join us on the show.
According to a recent Yale study, over 70% of Latinx people in the United States are concerned about the environment. Latinx people play an integral part in the environmental movement, and it’s about time our experiences are brought to the forefront.
It’s no coincidence that Latinx people and people of color are most impacted by the climate crisis. We’re often not given the same access to adequate healthcare, education, and housing as our white counterparts. We need to rise up as a community and assert our rightful space at the table.
On the show, we will discuss topics such as climate activism, intersectionality, voting and election suppression, and single-use plastic. Special guests, from popular influencers to Greenpeace Latinx staff, will come on each show to have these crucial conversations and share how you can take action!
Who We Are
Crystal: I am Colombian-Puertorican-American queer womxn from North Jersey. Although born in the US, my grandmother raised me in Barranquilla, Colombia while my parents worked hard to establish themselves in the US as first-generation immigrants. I moved back to the US when I was 8 years old. I began my career in communications by working to advance reproductive health access in the US and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay. I am a senior communications specialist at Greenpeace USA.
Valentina: I am the daughter of two journalists. My mother is a Jewish-Chilean journalist, who had to escape during the Pinochet dictatorship. She found herself in Austria, where she met my father. I was born in Europe and spent my childhood among Chilean refugees and visiting my family in Santiago. I moved to the US when I was 16 and after studying poetry and politics, started working with the farmworker movement and in the international environmental justice world. I am a senior communications specialist at Greenpeace USA, and can’t wait to share badass, captivating, and powerful stories with you! I am the daughter of two journalists. My mother is a Jewish-Chilean journalist, who had to escape during the Pinochet dictatorship. She found herself in Austria, where she met my father. I was born in Europe and spent my childhood among Chilean refugees and visiting my family in Santiago. I moved to the US when I was 16 and after studying poetry and politics, started working with the farmworker movement and in the international environmental justice world. I am a senior communications specialist at Greenpeace USA, and can’t wait to share badass, captivating, and powerful stories with you!


greenpeace--2020-06-15--In Pictures: Nature Photography Day

In Pictures: Nature Photography Day

In June , we celebrated Nature Photography Day , and here at Greenpeace , we ’ re highlighting the crucial role that photography plays in the environmental movement by allowing us to tell stories , convey emotion , and compel action in a language that everyone understands .
Right now , many of us are living through a period of unprecedented turbulence .
As we call for action and justice for the most vulnerable in our societies , thoughts are already beginning to turn to how we step into the next phase of human history .
In this time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to remember to stop , breathe , and appreciate the life around you .
So that ’ s why I ’ ve compiled a small selection of iconic Greenpeace images that I hope will bring some joy and inspiration into your life — if even for a moment .
Enjoy !
From a bird ’ s-eye view and the darkest , deepest oceans , to forest fires and flooded towns , photography has come a long way in driving environmental activism and bearing witness to the changing world .
These incredible photographers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities , breaking the silence about underreported crises , and inspiring us to fight for a better planet for us all .
We ’ ve captured many moving and captivating moments within Greenpeace .
Together we have inspired and created real change , and we have many victories to be proud of .
We have also captured serious challenges which threaten everything we fight for .
Despite this , we have and will continue alongside the millions of you who choose to stand with us in the fight for a just , green @ @ @ @ @

In Pictures: Nature Photography Day
June 15th marks Nature Photography Day, and here at Greenpeace, we’re highlighting the crucial role that photography plays in the environmental movement by allowing us to tell stories, convey emotion, and compel action in a language that everyone understands.
Right now, many of us are living through a period of unprecedented turbulence. As we call for action and justice for the most vulnerable in our societies, thoughts are already beginning to turn to how we step into the next phase of human history. In this time of uncertainty, I know how important it is to remember to stop, breathe, and appreciate the life around you. So that’s why I’ve compiled a small selection of iconic Greenpeace images that I hope will bring some joy and inspiration into your life — if even for a moment. Enjoy!
From a bird’s-eye view and the darkest, deepest oceans, to forest fires and flooded towns, photography has come a long way in driving environmental activism and bearing witness to the changing world. These incredible photographers are telling the stories of their own communities, breaking the silence about underreported crises, and inspiring us to fight for a better planet for us all.
We’ve captured many moving and captivating moments within Greenpeace. Together we have inspired and created real change, and we have many victories to be proud of. We have also captured serious challenges which threaten everything we fight for. Despite this, we have and will continue alongside the millions of you who choose to stand with us in the fight for a just, green, and peaceful world.


greenpeace--2020-07-13--Marathon Petroleum takes bailout tax breaks while pumping pollutants into poor communities during a

Marathon Petroleum takes bailout tax breaks while pumping pollutants into poor communities during a pulmonary pandemic Fossil fuel companies have reaped millions of dollars in benefits from a stimulus package intended to help struggling Americans and the economy .
Among these is Marathon Petroleum , the largest oil refiner in the country , which has a history of air pollution violations impacting low-income and Black and Brown communities .
The CARES Act included several provisions to support businesses , one of which allowed companies to claim an immediate tax refund by deducting current operating losses from income taxes paid in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of changes to allow the “ carryback ” of net operating losses , Marathon received $ 411 million in tax benefits , a sum even greater than their recent $ 334 million penalty for environmental violations .
The Federal Reserve also included Marathon Petroleum in its recent purchase of energy bonds .
Oil and gas companies , like Marathon , are not violating any rules by claiming this tax benefit , but there are significant downsides to using public resources to prop up dirty companies with a history of air pollution violations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets the respiratory system .
As part of the paycheck protection program , a separate program under the CARES Act , at least $ 3 billion in taxpayer dollars intended for small businesses have gone to over 5,600 U.S. fossil fuel companies and are being used to save an antiquated industry , rather than investing in a sustainable future that will benefit all Americans .
Democratic lawmakers have warned that this oil bailout is not only taking the funds meant for smaller businesses , but is also forcing taxpayers to pay for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brian Schatz and Sheldon Whitehouse wrote that the pandemic “ was not the source of the oil and gas industry ’ s dire financial condition ” , and that this bailout “ poses both a credit risk and a more profound climate transition risk to taxpayers.
” Marathon Petroleum is just one example of an oil company that was already struggling prior to the COVID-19 outbreak , partly due to their expensive 2018 acquisition of rival refiner Andeavor .
Oil companies have been pursuing such mergers in an attempt to generate investor excitement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the oil sector .
More specifically , upstream companies have spent billions more on drilling than they receive from selling the produced oil and gas , which creates a condition known as negative free cash flow .
Investing in oil stock has had a similarly negative trajectory , as the average U.S. oil producer over the past three years has produced a total return of negative 17 % .
The acquisition of Andeavor and other refineries has made Marathon Petroleum the largest refiner in the U.S. with a long list of costly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its acquired companies have been fined more than $ 1.4 billion in environmental , consumer protection and workplace violations since 2000 .
A significant recent example was its $ 334 million settlement with the EPA in 2016 to reduce air pollutants in five states : Michigan , Louisiana , Ohio , Kentucky , and Illinois .
The EPA announced that the required investments in air pollution controls would “ help reduce emissions that can cause respiratory and cardiovascular health impacts , which can disproportionately affect low-income and vulnerable populations.
” Many of Marathon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Environmental Justice Indexes , signifying high levels of air pollution among minority and at-risk groups .
For the 1-mile radius surrounding the Detroit , Michigan refinery , the surrounding communities score above the state 90th percentile for diesel particulate matter , air toxics cancer risk , and respiratory hazard index .
The Canton , Ohio refinery additionally scores around the 75th percentile in these indexes .
The Garyville , Louisiana refinery — located in Louisiana ’ s infamous “ Cancer Alley ” — scores in the 99th percentile country-wide for air toxics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute lists Marathon as the 33rd worst air polluter in the nation , with an Environmental Justice Minority Share of 59 % , meaning that its refineries disproportionately impact communities of color .
Despite the 2016 EPA settlement , communities living nearby to the refineries continue to face environmental injustices and deadly air pollution .
In Southwest Detroit , the predominantly Black zip code 48217 , the most polluted area in Michigan , is home to dozens of polluting facilities , including the Marathon Petroleum refinery .
This residential area experiences higher rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country due to toxic pollution .
Community organizers and environmental justice groups have protested the Marathon refinery over the past decade , calling for accountability from the oil giant and buy-outs for their now devalued property .
In September 2019 , an alleged vapor leak sparked further protests as Marathon failed to inform residents of the dangers and health impacts of chemicals released .
Prior to the September incident , an earlier vapor release in February of 2019 caused residents to complain of “ a nauseating stench ” and of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and irritated eyes and throats ” reported the Metro Times .
The September incident prompted U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib and the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform in February 2020 to request that the EPA undertake a formal investigation of the chemical leak by Marathon .
The facility is the only oil refinery in Michigan , and as Metro Times reports “ emits 29 different types of toxins , which waft across neighborhoods and puts residents at an elevated risk of cancer , respiratory disease , asthma , and liver failure.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop at environmental health .
Marathon and its affiliates have also racked up nearly $ 40 million in penalties for workplace safety or health violations , according to the Violationtracker website .
The CARES Act bailout to Marathon Petroleum , a significant air polluter , is further concerning given the lobbying ties the fossil fuel giant has with the Trump administration .
In May 2020 , the House Oversight Committee requested documents from Marathon Petroleum related to its extensive lobbying efforts related to Trump ’ s rollback of fuel economy standards — a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in scandal .
In 2018 , Gary Heminger , Marathon ’ s former CEO , told investors the new rule would help sell up to 400,000 more barrels of oil a day .
The investigation seeks documents detailing meetings with top officials at the EPA and the Department of Transportation .
While the CARES Act is necessary for stimulating the economy during this crisis , large hand-outs to notorious air polluters must be scrutinized .
Air pollution exposure has been linked to increasing incidence and severity of several respiratory infections that are similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refineries such as Marathon Petroleum are often predominantly Black communities , which are already affected disproportionately by the pandemic .
The bailout money towards Marathon Petroleum maintains oil refineries that pollute surrounding communities , worsening the health and economic impacts of the Covid pandemic .
Our recovery from this crisis shouldn ’ t worsen existing public health problems or lock us into higher greenhouse gas emissions .
We need a green and just recovery that puts us on a path to the sustainable future we need .

Marathon Petroleum takes bailout tax breaks while pumping pollutants into poor communities during a pulmonary pandemic
Greenpeace activist John Noel protests a meeting between President Trump and oil executives at the White House where they plan to ask for taxpayer bailout. Executives from at least seven US oil companies are expected to meet with Donald Trump at the White House to discuss relief for the oil industry. Expected to attend are: ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods, Chevron CEO Mike Wirth, Occidental Petroleum CEO Vicki Hollub, and former Continental Resources CEO Harold Hamm, Energy Transfer CEO Kelcy Warren, Phillips66 CEO Greg Garland (who is also chairman of the American Petroleum Institute), and Devon Energy CEO David Hager.
By Sarah Thomas and Nathan Heffernan
Fossil fuel companies have reaped millions of dollars in benefits from a stimulus package intended to help struggling Americans and the economy. Among these is Marathon Petroleum, the largest oil refiner in the country, which has a history of air pollution violations impacting low-income and Black and Brown communities.
Oil Companies Receiving Bailout Money
The CARES Act included several provisions to support businesses, one of which allowed companies to claim an immediate tax refund by deducting current operating losses from income taxes paid in the past five years. As a result of changes to allow the “carryback” of net operating losses, Marathon received $411 million in tax benefits, a sum even greater than their recent $334 million penalty for environmental violations. The Federal Reserve also included Marathon Petroleum in its recent purchase of energy bonds.
Oil and gas companies, like Marathon, are not violating any rules by claiming this tax benefit, but there are significant downsides to using public resources to prop up dirty companies with a history of air pollution violations in the midst of a pandemic that targets the respiratory system. As part of the paycheck protection program, a separate program under the CARES Act, at least $3 billion in taxpayer dollars intended for small businesses have gone to over 5,600 U.S. fossil fuel companies and are being used to save an antiquated industry, rather than investing in a sustainable future that will benefit all Americans.
Democratic lawmakers have warned that this oil bailout is not only taking the funds meant for smaller businesses, but is also forcing taxpayers to pay for the industry’s past mistakes. Senators Brian Schatz and Sheldon Whitehouse wrote that the pandemic “was not the source of the oil and gas industry’s dire financial condition”, and that this bailout “poses both a credit risk and a more profound climate transition risk to taxpayers.”
Marathon Petroleum is just one example of an oil company that was already struggling prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, partly due to their expensive 2018 acquisition of rival refiner Andeavor. Oil companies have been pursuing such mergers in an attempt to generate investor excitement and make up for the structural weaknesses of the oil sector. More specifically, upstream companies have spent billions more on drilling than they receive from selling the produced oil and gas, which creates a condition known as negative free cash flow. Investing in oil stock has had a similarly negative trajectory, as the average U.S. oil producer over the past three years has produced a total return of negative 17%.
A History of Environmental Racism
The acquisition of Andeavor and other refineries has made Marathon Petroleum the largest refiner in the U.S. with a long list of costly penalties. All told, Marathon and its acquired companies have been fined more than $1.4 billion in environmental, consumer protection and workplace violations since 2000. A significant recent example was its $334 million settlement with the EPA in 2016 to reduce air pollutants in five states: Michigan, Louisiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois. The EPA announced that the required investments in air pollution controls would “help reduce emissions that can cause respiratory and cardiovascular health impacts, which can disproportionately affect low-income and vulnerable populations.”
Many of Marathon’s refineries have notably high indicators for Environmental Justice Indexes, signifying high levels of air pollution among minority and at-risk groups. For the 1-mile radius surrounding the Detroit, Michigan refinery, the surrounding communities score above the state 90th percentile for diesel particulate matter, air toxics cancer risk, and respiratory hazard index. The Canton, Ohio refinery additionally scores around the 75th percentile in these indexes. The Garyville, Louisiana refinery — located in Louisiana’s infamous “Cancer Alley” — scores in the 99th percentile country-wide for air toxics cancer risk. The Political Economy Research Institute lists Marathon as the 33rd worst air polluter in the nation, with an Environmental Justice Minority Share of 59%, meaning that its refineries disproportionately impact communities of color.
Despite the 2016 EPA settlement, communities living nearby to the refineries continue to face environmental injustices and deadly air pollution. In Southwest Detroit, the predominantly Black zip code 48217, the most polluted area in Michigan, is home to dozens of polluting facilities, including the Marathon Petroleum refinery. This residential area experiences higher rates of asthma and cancer than the rest of the country due to toxic pollution. Community organizers and environmental justice groups have protested the Marathon refinery over the past decade, calling for accountability from the oil giant and buy-outs for their now devalued property.
In September 2019, an alleged vapor leak sparked further protests as Marathon failed to inform residents of the dangers and health impacts of chemicals released. Prior to the September incident, an earlier vapor release in February of 2019 caused residents to complain of “a nauseating stench” and of “vomiting, troubled or labored breathing, and irritated eyes and throats” reported the Metro Times. The September incident prompted U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib and the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform in February 2020 to request that the EPA undertake a formal investigation of the chemical leak by Marathon. The facility is the only oil refinery in Michigan, and as Metro Times reports “emits 29 different types of toxins, which waft across neighborhoods and puts residents at an elevated risk of cancer, respiratory disease, asthma, and liver failure.”
The impacts on nearby communities does not stop at environmental health. Marathon and its affiliates have also racked up nearly $40 million in penalties for workplace safety or health violations, according to the Violationtracker website.
Lobbying Against Common-Sense Solutions
The CARES Act bailout to Marathon Petroleum, a significant air polluter, is further concerning given the lobbying ties the fossil fuel giant has with the Trump administration. In May 2020, the House Oversight Committee requested documents from Marathon Petroleum related to its extensive lobbying efforts related to Trump’s rollback of fuel economy standards — a rule change that has already been mired in scandal. In 2018, Gary Heminger, Marathon’s former CEO, told investors the new rule would help sell up to 400,000 more barrels of oil a day. The investigation seeks documents detailing meetings with top officials at the EPA and the Department of Transportation.
While the CARES Act is necessary for stimulating the economy during this crisis, large hand-outs to notorious air polluters must be scrutinized. Air pollution exposure has been linked to increasing incidence and severity of several respiratory infections that are similar to COVID-19. Residential areas surrounding oil refineries such as Marathon Petroleum are often predominantly Black communities, which are already affected disproportionately by the pandemic. The bailout money towards Marathon Petroleum maintains oil refineries that pollute surrounding communities, worsening the health and economic impacts of the Covid pandemic.
Our recovery from this crisis shouldn’t worsen existing public health problems or lock us into higher greenhouse gas emissions. We need a green and just recovery that puts us on a path to the sustainable future we need.


greenpeace--2020-07-14--10 Little-Known Shark Facts

10 Little-Known Shark Facts

The ocean desperately needs sharks !
Sharks are incredible creatures—master hunters with incredible precision .
Sitting at the top of the food chain , they ’ re central to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems .
Did you know that July 14 is Shark Awareness Day ?
Every day , sharks suffer from different threats .
Up to 100 million sharks disappear every year , due to destructive fishing by humans and the impact of climate breakdown .
One-third of the world ’ s known shark species have been listed as “ threatened ” species by the International Union for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk about them , because the ocean desperately needs sharks !
After 400 million years of evolution , sharks are incredible creatures—master hunters with incredible precision .
Sitting at the top of the food chain , they ’ re central to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems .
There are hundreds of species of sharks in the world , and they have been around since before the dinosaurs .
Despite their fearsome Hollywood reputation , they are some of the most amazing animals on the planet .
1 .
Many sharks lay eggs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young , just like we do .
Shark pregnancies can last from a few months to well over a couple of years .
That ’ s longer than whales or elephants !
2 .
Sharks come in all shapes and sizes , from the tiny lantern sharks , which are about the size of your hand , to giant whale sharks , which are about the same size as a bus .
3 .
Greenland sharks , which live in cold polar waters , hold the record as the oldest known vertebrate animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated to live as long as 500 years , there could be some alive today that were born in the Middle Ages .
For reference , Leonardo Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa 500 years ago !
4 .
Mako sharks hold the record for being the most athletic sharks , reaching swimming speeds of over 40 miles per hour !
They are also known to have jumped as much as 30 feet out of the water .
5 .
The world ’ s biggest sharks also have the widest mouths and eat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest whales .
6 .
Carpet sharks live on the ocean floor and have elaborate patterns to blend in with perfect camouflage .
The Tasseled Wobbegong shark takes this to the extreme , with a fringe of feathery ‘ tassels ’ around its body .
7 .
Epaulette sharks have developed a cunning ability to hold their breath and walk over rocks and land using their fins and tail .
This lets them check out the seafood buffet in neighboring rockpools at low tide .
8 .
Hammerhead sharks elongated heads not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to electromagnetic detection , but they also have almost 360-degree surround vision .
9 .
When sharks are turned upside down , they go into a natural suspended state called tonic immobility .
10 .
It ’ s dark in the deep sea , so tiny lantern sharks have developed their own way to glow in the dark .
It ’ s not yet known if this is to find food , find each other , or help avoid being eaten !
In June 2019 , the Greenpeace ship Esperanza went to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharks .
At the same time , Greenpeace International issued a report , Sharks Under Attack : Overfished and under-protected .
It proposed a solution : secure a strong Global Ocean Treaty at the UN .
The ocean needs sharks , and sharks urgently need your support .
Help us keep being able to do ship tours to highlight and confront overfishing of sharks and other animals .

10 Little-Known Shark Facts
The ocean desperately needs sharks! Sharks are incredible creatures—master hunters with incredible precision. Sitting at the top of the food chain, they’re central to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
Did you know that July 14 is Shark Awareness Day? Every day, sharks suffer from different threats. Up to 100 million sharks disappear every year, due to destructive fishing by humans and the impact of climate breakdown. One-third of the world’s known shark species have been listed as “threatened” species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
We need to talk about them, because the ocean desperately needs sharks! After 400 million years of evolution, sharks are incredible creatures—master hunters with incredible precision. Sitting at the top of the food chain, they’re central to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
There are hundreds of species of sharks in the world, and they have been around since before the dinosaurs. Despite their fearsome Hollywood reputation, they are some of the most amazing animals on the planet.
1. Many sharks lay eggs, but some give birth to live young, just like we do. Shark pregnancies can last from a few months to well over a couple of years. That’s longer than whales or elephants!
2. Sharks come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny lantern sharks, which are about the size of your hand, to giant whale sharks, which are about the same size as a bus.
3. Greenland sharks, which live in cold polar waters, hold the record as the oldest known vertebrate animals on the planet. Since they are estimated to live as long as 500 years, there could be some alive today that were born in the Middle Ages. For reference, Leonardo Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa 500 years ago!
4. Mako sharks hold the record for being the most athletic sharks, reaching swimming speeds of over 40 miles per hour! They are also known to have jumped as much as 30 feet out of the water.
5. The world’s biggest sharks also have the widest mouths and eat only tiny ocean plankton, just like the largest whales.
6. Carpet sharks live on the ocean floor and have elaborate patterns to blend in with perfect camouflage. The Tasseled Wobbegong shark takes this to the extreme, with a fringe of feathery ‘tassels’ around its body.

7. Epaulette sharks have developed a cunning ability to hold their breath and walk over rocks and land using their fins and tail. This lets them check out the seafood buffet in neighboring rockpools at low tide.
8. Hammerhead sharks elongated heads not only give them supersense when it comes to electromagnetic detection, but they also have almost 360-degree surround vision.
9. When sharks are turned upside down, they go into a natural suspended state called tonic immobility.
10. It’s dark in the deep sea, so tiny lantern sharks have developed their own way to glow in the dark. It’s not yet known if this is to find food, find each other, or help avoid being eaten!
In June 2019, the Greenpeace ship Esperanza went to the North Atlantic to confront the overfishing of sharks. At the same time, Greenpeace International issued a report, Sharks Under Attack: Overfished and under-protected. It proposed a solution: secure a strong Global Ocean Treaty at the UN.
The ocean needs sharks, and sharks urgently need your support. Help us keep being able to do ship tours to highlight and confront overfishing of sharks and other animals.


greenpeace--2020-07-17--The plastics industry continues to treat Black and Brown lives as disposable

People of color often live in communities hit harder by the pandemic because industries have disregarded their well-being for decades .
This is environmental racism Black and Brown lives matter .
But the racist plastics industry continues to treat them as disposable .
The plastics industry has tried hard to repair its tainted image during a pandemic .
It has launched a public relations campaign against reusable bags and asked Congress for a $ 1 billion bailout for recycling infrastructure to keep its polluting plastics around .
It has successfully lobbied to temporarily pause plastic bag bans and seen its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plastics industry continues to destroy the lives of countless people , especially low-income communities of color .
In San Diego , plastics can be seen on the streets we walk and the beaches we frequent .
It is in our air , water and food .
Plastic does not come without a massive cost to our environment , climate and health .
A pandemic only exacerbates that .
There is no doubt that some plastic is necessary for medical and safety reasons .
But the plastics industry wants to continue churning out unnecessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bananas wrapped in plastic and your groceries in a single-use bag .
Industry surrogates call these cheap throwaway plastics “ clean and safe ” or “ recyclable , ” but they are fueling environmental crises that worsen injustices worldwide .
The plastics industry does not create the majority of its plastics to protect us — it creates them to increase profits for fossil fuel giants .
Almost all plastics are made from fossil fuels .
The same companies destroying our climate want to keep producing plastic to make their wealthy CEOs more money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nestlé and PepsiCo are complicit in the destruction fueled by companies like ExxonMobil , Dow and Chevron Phillips by continuing to use their cheap materials to package food and personal care products .
These companies exploit and pollute the most vulnerable among us first .
Countries in Southeast Asia have become the world ’ s dumping grounds , yet the plastic industry and consumer goods companies have turned the other way or offered greenwash as rivers overflow with pollution and landfills are burned next to low-income communities .
Much of that waste has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States because we can not handle the amount of plastic produced here .
Communities next to petrochemical facilities should not be expendable in the plastic industry ’ s quest for profits , yet they continue to face elevated risks thanks to the toxic chemicals .
People of color often live in these communities and are hit harder by the pandemic because these industries have disregarded their well-being for decades .
This is environmental racism .
The plastics industry has bragged about its products in recent weeks , but nothing about plastic is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including those in San Diego , are targeted with more plastic packaging and single-use products that end up polluting neighborhoods and waterways .
There are also increasing concerns about carcinogens and endocrine disruptors in plastic packaging that require a precautionary approach .
The plastics industry has ignored these risks to turn a profit and externalize the true costs to others .
On top of it all , we are dealing with a pandemic .
The industry could have devoted its time mobilizing alongside legislators to get additional ventilators and masks to hospitals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this crisis demonizing reusable bags .
It used older , industry-funded studies to claim that reusables are dangerous , despite credible research on the coronavirus from the National Institutes of Health , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Princeton University and UCLA showing that the virus can live on plastic surfaces longer than most .
And there has not been one documented case of the coronavirus from surface contact .
In fact , over 125 health professionals recently weighed in on the safe ways to use reusables during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is intertwined with the fossil fuel industry .
Plastics are part of an industry in rapid decline due in part to massive debt , investor skepticism and concerns about climate change .
These companies were failing before the crisis and are now begging for government handouts because their era is coming to a close .
The pandemic has sped that up .
While the plastic industry has had some temporary success exploiting fears around a pandemic , it won ’ t last .
The world is ready to move beyond a throwaway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact , we are already building it .
On the other side of the pandemic , we must continue to fight for all communities , especially those most vulnerable to health impacts from plastic pollution .
What ’ s best for our environment is best for all of us : ending our reliance on polluting single-use plastics .
Originally published in the San Diego Union Tribune on July 16 , 2020 .

People of color often live in communities hit harder by the pandemic because industries have disregarded their well-being for decades. This is environmental racism
Black and Brown lives matter. But the racist plastics industry continues to treat them as disposable.
The plastics industry has tried hard to repair its tainted image during a pandemic. It has launched a public relations campaign against reusable bags and asked Congress for a $1 billion bailout for recycling infrastructure to keep its polluting plastics around. It has successfully lobbied to temporarily pause plastic bag bans and seen its packaging profits rise.
But that same plastics industry continues to destroy the lives of countless people, especially low-income communities of color. In San Diego, plastics can be seen on the streets we walk and the beaches we frequent. It is in our air, water and food. Plastic does not come without a massive cost to our environment, climate and health. A pandemic only exacerbates that.
There is no doubt that some plastic is necessary for medical and safety reasons. But the plastics industry wants to continue churning out unnecessary plastics, too. It wants your bananas wrapped in plastic and your groceries in a single-use bag. Industry surrogates call these cheap throwaway plastics “clean and safe” or “recyclable,” but they are fueling environmental crises that worsen injustices worldwide. The plastics industry does not create the majority of its plastics to protect us — it creates them to increase profits for fossil fuel giants.
Almost all plastics are made from fossil fuels. The same companies destroying our climate want to keep producing plastic to make their wealthy CEOs more money. Consumer goods companies like Coca-Cola, Nestlé and PepsiCo are complicit in the destruction fueled by companies like ExxonMobil, Dow and Chevron Phillips by continuing to use their cheap materials to package food and personal care products. These companies exploit and pollute the most vulnerable among us first.
Countries in Southeast Asia have become the world’s dumping grounds, yet the plastic industry and consumer goods companies have turned the other way or offered greenwash as rivers overflow with pollution and landfills are burned next to low-income communities. Much of that waste has been shipped overseas from countries like the United States because we cannot handle the amount of plastic produced here.
Communities next to petrochemical facilities should not be expendable in the plastic industry’s quest for profits, yet they continue to face elevated risks thanks to the toxic chemicals. People of color often live in these communities and are hit harder by the pandemic because these industries have disregarded their well-being for decades. This is environmental racism. The plastics industry has bragged about its products in recent weeks, but nothing about plastic is clean and safe.
Low-income communities, including those in San Diego, are targeted with more plastic packaging and single-use products that end up polluting neighborhoods and waterways. There are also increasing concerns about carcinogens and endocrine disruptors in plastic packaging that require a precautionary approach. The plastics industry has ignored these risks to turn a profit and externalize the true costs to others.
On top of it all, we are dealing with a pandemic. The industry could have devoted its time mobilizing alongside legislators to get additional ventilators and masks to hospitals, but instead it spent the first days of this crisis demonizing reusable bags. It used older, industry-funded studies to claim that reusables are dangerous, despite credible research on the coronavirus from the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Princeton University and UCLA showing that the virus can live on plastic surfaces longer than most. And there has not been one documented case of the coronavirus from surface contact. In fact, over 125 health professionals recently weighed in on the safe ways to use reusables during the pandemic.
The plastic industry is desperate because it is intertwined with the fossil fuel industry. Plastics are part of an industry in rapid decline due in part to massive debt, investor skepticism and concerns about climate change. These companies were failing before the crisis and are now begging for government handouts because their era is coming to a close. The pandemic has sped that up.
While the plastic industry has had some temporary success exploiting fears around a pandemic, it won’t last. The world is ready to move beyond a throwaway model that exploits vulnerable communities. In fact, we are already building it.
On the other side of the pandemic, we must continue to fight for all communities, especially those most vulnerable to health impacts from plastic pollution. What’s best for our environment is best for all of us: ending our reliance on polluting single-use plastics.
Originally published in the San Diego Union Tribune on July 16, 2020.


Bon Appétit

Do you wonder where your dinner or your dessert comes from ?
Before you dive in , consider this .
Chances are that your dinner plate includes a portion of chicken or beef and a yummy dessert awaits .
Do you wonder where your dinner or your dessert comes from ?
Before you dive in , consider this .
With the COVID-19 pandemic , we have been learning more and more about the dangers that meatpacking workers face in the U.S. , along with nursing homes , meat plant workers face some of the highest COVID contraction rates in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end there — the Center for Disease Control finally acknowledged that nearly 90 % of the workers that have been exposed to COVID are Black , Latino and immigrant workers .
This is the perverse side of the meatpacking industry .
Earlier this month , meat plant workers at JBS and Tyson filed a discriminatory complaint with USDA for violating the Civil Rights Act .
For many , this might be the first time you ’ re becoming aware of industrial meat production .
We are learning who the people are who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And we are learning what the mega corporations who own these meat plants are focused on — and it ’ s not the workers .
They are risking worker ’ s lives to gain profits from beef , poultry and pork being processed at these facilities .
Does this change how people feel about their dinner ?
And it is not just here in the U.S. , this is a globalized system of production that is destroying the world ’ s forests and Indigenous communities as well .
While meat plants and mega @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and exploitation , COVID has only further exposed how destructive this system really is .
Do you want to eat a chocolate bar with palm oil grown on stolen lands , violating human rights and decimating the homes of orangutans ?
I don ’ t want my dinner plate loaded with meat and poultry tainted by forest destruction , with a side of pesticides .
We ’ ve heard a lot from companies in the past few months telling us that they are growing food to feed us .
But the reality is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Amazon rainforest and the Cerrado grasslands and on the other side of the globe Indonesia ’ s peatlands .
Greenpeace has decided to lift the curtain a little further…and show the world the broken food system and how it is feeding corporate profit versus keeping us and the planet healthy .
We want to shed light on industrial agriculture , what it is , and how it remains a driver of deforestation along with all of its climate and biodiversity impacts .
To do this , we partnered up with Alice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s known internationally for her roles in movies such as City of God , Blindness and most recently New Mutants and the show Queen of the South .
Over the next week , Greenpeace will be sharing a three part video-series , Countdown To Destruction , that explores the mass production of soy , meat , dairy and palm oil , and how these commodities are devouring the world ’ s forests and fueling a climate and biodiversity crisis .
The videos will bring into sharp focus the systems in place that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cattle pastures .
Meanwhile , in Indonesia , forests are being cleared , set on fire and bulldozed to make way for palm oil plantations .
Warning : This will be disturbing .
Our goal is to educate , and raise awareness , and start a conversation so each of us are making more informed decisions about what we feed our families .
We deserve better .

Bon Appétit: Countdown to Destruction
Do you know where your food comes from? Industrial agriculture is driving deforestation and a host of climate and biodiversity impacts
Welcome to dinner. Chances are that your dinner plate includes a portion of chicken or beef and a yummy dessert awaits. But do you ever wonder where your food comes from?
Before you dive in, consider this:
With the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been learning more and more about the dangers that meatpacking workers face in the U.S.; along with nursing homes, meat plant workers face some of the highest COVID-19 contraction rates in the country. The story doesn’t end there. The Center for Disease Control finally acknowledged that nearly 90% of the workers that have been exposed to COVID-19 are Black, Latino and immigrant workers. This is the perverse side of the meatpacking industry. Earlier this month, meat plant workers at JBS and Tyson filed a discriminatory complaint with USDA for violating the Civil Rights Act.
How does industrial agriculture affect the environment?
For many, this might be the first time you’re becoming aware of industrial meat production. We are learning about the people who help food get to our tables. We are learning what the mega corporations who own these meat plants are focused on — and it’s not the workers. They are risking worker’s lives to gain profits from beef, poultry, and pork being processed at these facilities. Does this change how people feel about their dinner? It is not just here in the U.S.; this is a globalized system of production that is destroying the world’s forests and Indigenous communities as well.
While meat plants and mega farms have always been places of inequality and exploitation, COVID-19 has only further exposed how destructive this system really is. Do you want to eat a chocolate bar with palm oil grown on stolen lands, violating human rights, and decimating the homes of orangutans? I don’t want my dinner plate loaded with meat and poultry tainted by forest destruction, with a side of pesticides.
We’ve heard a lot from companies in the past few months telling us that they are growing food to feed us. But the reality is they are destroying critical ecosystems like Brazil’s Amazon rainforest and the Cerrado grasslands—and on the other side of the globe, Indonesia’s peatlands.
Greenpeace has decided to lift the curtain a little further to show the world the broken food system and how it is feeding corporate profit, versus keeping us and the planet healthy.
We want to shed light on industrial agriculture, what it is, and how it remains a driver of deforestation along with all of its climate and biodiversity impacts. To do this, we partnered up with Alice Braga, a Brazilian actor who’s known internationally for her roles in movies such as City of God, Blindness and most recently New Mutants and the show Queen of the South.
Over the next week, Greenpeace will be sharing a three part video-series, Countdown To Destruction, that explores the mass production of soy, meat, dairy and palm oil, and how these commodities are devouring the world’s forests and fueling a climate and biodiversity crisis.
The videos will bring into sharp focus the systems in place that are ripping apart the Amazon rainforests for huge cattle pastures. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, forests are being cleared, set on fire and bulldozed to make way for palm oil plantations.
Warning: This will be disturbing. Our goal is to educate, raise awareness, and start a conversation so each of us can make more informed decisions about what we feed our families. We deserve better.


greenpeace--2020-07-22--Fires are raging in the Amazon—again

Fires are raging in the Amazon—again

Fires are raging in the Amazon—again One year has passed since the world was shocked by the images of the fires blazing across the Amazon in Brazil .
But since then , the forest hasn ’ t stopped burning —and 2020 could be even more devastating for the rainforest and the Indigenous Peoples who call it home .
Last week , Greenpeace Brazil flew over the state of Mato Grosso to capture images of the Amazon .
Even though the government had ordered a ban on forest fires in the state starting at the beginning of July , the photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how ineffective the ban has been .
Last year , more than 1 million hectares of forest were burned , and the trend shows the destruction is far from over .
Last June , more than two thousand fire hotspots were registered in the Amazon , the highest number in the last thirteen years .
Since Brazil ’ s President Bolsonaro took office in January 2019 , his government ’ s agenda has been very clear : dismantle environmental protection law and agencies , so that forest destroyers can burn the forest freely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into pastures , without being held accountable .
The consequences of this destruction are dire .
From Siberia to the Amazon , fires are raging across the world .
Losing our forests means losing the fight against the climate crisis , putting biodiversity at risk of extinction , and threatening the lives of Indigenous Peoples who depend on the forest standing for their survival .
Fighting to protect the forest and Indigenous lands from fires and deforestation become even more difficult—and crucial —during a pandemic .
With a mortality rate from COVID-19 150 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indigenous Peoples are already more vulnerable during the pandemic .
The smoke from the fires will put their respiratory system at even higher risk during a time when access to healthcare is limited in remote areas in the Amazon .
But things can be different .
After the public ’ s outcry last year , there is increasing pressure on Brazil ’ s government .
Investors , companies and governments have been signaling their concerns about the destruction of the forest and its impact on the environment , and their message is clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do business with forest destroyers .
Even though last week Bolsonaro announced a “ fire moratorium ” for 120 days , the images of Mato Grosso show how his measures have been performative and inefficient .
To properly protect the forest and its Peoples , the Brazilian government must properly fund environmental agencies , reinforce environmental laws and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples .
The exploitation of nature and people is a major cause of the current health , climate and biodiversity crises .
We must demand governments and companies end business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resilient economies that put nature and people first .

Fires are raging in the Amazon—again
One year has passed since the world was shocked by the images of the fires blazing across the Amazon in Brazil. But since then, the forest hasn’t stopped burning —and 2020 could be even more devastating for the rainforest and the Indigenous Peoples who call it home. Last week, Greenpeace Brazil flew over the state of Mato Grosso to capture images of the Amazon. Even though the government had ordered a ban on forest fires in the state starting at the beginning of July, the photos show smoke, flames, and just how ineffective the ban has been.
Last year, more than 1 million hectares of forest were burned, and the trend shows the destruction is far from over. Last June, more than two thousand fire hotspots were registered in the Amazon, the highest number in the last thirteen years. Since Brazil’s President Bolsonaro took office in January 2019, his government’s agenda has been very clear: dismantle environmental protection law and agencies, so that forest destroyers can burn the forest freely, clearing the land to turn it into pastures, without being held accountable.
The consequences of this destruction are dire. From Siberia to the Amazon, fires are raging across the world. Losing our forests means losing the fight against the climate crisis, putting biodiversity at risk of extinction, and threatening the lives of Indigenous Peoples who depend on the forest standing for their survival. Fighting to protect the forest and Indigenous lands from fires and deforestation become even more difficult—and crucial —during a pandemic.
With a mortality rate from COVID-19 150% higher than the Brazilian average, Indigenous Peoples are already more vulnerable during the pandemic. The smoke from the fires will put their respiratory system at even higher risk during a time when access to healthcare is limited in remote areas in the Amazon.
But things can be different. After the public’s outcry last year, there is increasing pressure on Brazil’s government. Investors, companies and governments have been signaling their concerns about the destruction of the forest and its impact on the environment, and their message is clear: they don’t want to do business with forest destroyers. Even though last week Bolsonaro announced a “fire moratorium” for 120 days, the images of Mato Grosso show how his measures have been performative and inefficient.
To properly protect the forest and its Peoples, the Brazilian government must properly fund environmental agencies, reinforce environmental laws and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The exploitation of nature and people is a major cause of the current health, climate and biodiversity crises.
We must demand governments and companies end business with forest destroyers and invest and support resilient economies that put nature and people first.


greenpeace--2020-07-20--Bon Appétit: Countdown to Destruction

Bon Appétit: Countdown to Destruction

Do you wonder where your dinner or your dessert comes from ?
Before you dive in , consider this .
Chances are that your dinner plate includes a portion of chicken or beef and a yummy dessert awaits .
Do you wonder where your dinner or your dessert comes from ?
Before you dive in , consider this .
With the COVID-19 pandemic , we have been learning more and more about the dangers that meatpacking workers face in the U.S. ; along with nursing homes , meat plant workers face some of the highest COVID contraction rates in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end there .
The Center for Disease Control finally acknowledged that nearly 90 % of the workers that have been exposed to COVID are Black , Latino and immigrant workers .
This is the perverse side of the meatpacking industry .
Earlier this month , meat plant workers at JBS and Tyson filed a discriminatory complaint with USDA for violating the Civil Rights Act .
For many , this might be the first time you ’ re becoming aware of industrial meat production .
We are learning who the people are who help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are learning what the mega corporations who own these meat plants are focused on — and it ’ s not the workers .
They are risking worker ’ s lives to gain profits from beef , poultry , and pork being processed at these facilities .
Does this change how people feel about their dinner ?
It is not just here in the U.S. ; this is a globalized system of production that is destroying the world ’ s forests and Indigenous communities as well .
While meat plants and mega farms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exploitation , COVID has only further exposed how destructive this system really is .
Do you want to eat a chocolate bar with palm oil grown on stolen lands , violating human rights , and decimating the homes of orangutans ?
I don ’ t want my dinner plate loaded with meat and poultry tainted by forest destruction , with a side of pesticides .
We ’ ve heard a lot from companies in the past few months telling us that they are growing food to feed us .
But the reality is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Amazon rainforest and the Cerrado grasslands and on the other side of the globe Indonesia ’ s peatlands .
Greenpeace has decided to lift the curtain a little further—to show the world the broken food system and how it is feeding corporate profit , versus keeping us and the planet healthy .
We want to shed light on industrial agriculture , what it is , and how it remains a driver of deforestation along with all of its climate and biodiversity impacts .
To do this , we partnered up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s known internationally for her roles in movies such as City of God , Blindness and most recently New Mutants and the show Queen of the South .
Over the next week , Greenpeace will be sharing a three part video-series , Countdown To Destruction , that explores the mass production of soy , meat , dairy and palm oil , and how these commodities are devouring the world ’ s forests and fueling a climate and biodiversity crisis .
The videos will bring into sharp focus the systems in place that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge cattle pastures .
Meanwhile , in Indonesia , forests are being cleared , set on fire and bulldozed to make way for palm oil plantations .
Warning : This will be disturbing .
Our goal is to educate , raise awareness , and start a conversation so each of us can make more informed decisions about what we feed our families .
We deserve better .