The challenges we face

Rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity. Our climate is breaking down and destructive industries continue to threaten our forests, oceans and air. But together we can overcome these challenges. Learn more about what Greenpeace is doing to protect our natural world for future generations.

Bees

Honey isn’t the only thing bees give us. They also provide us with food by pollinating a huge range of crops, not to mention wild plants.

A waterfall runs out from a densely-forested hillside and into a calm lake in the Great Bear Rainforest

Forests

Forests are home to some of our planet’s most extraordinary biodiversity. They are also essential in the fight against climate change. But forests are all under threat from deforestation for industrial meat, palm oil and logging.

Climate change

Our climate is breaking down. Rising seas and extreme weather events are costing lives and putting people at risk. But climate change also presents an opportunity to change the way we live so we improve things for us and the planet.

Meat and dairy

Modern industrial farming practices and the sheer number of animals involved is causing huge environmental damage, squeezing out wild animals and accelerating climate change.

A group of people gathered around a small ground-mounted solar array, smiling at the camera.

The just transition

How do we tackle the climate crisis without harming workers in polluting industries? The answer is a ‘just transition’, that transforms the economy in a way that’s fair to everyone.

Soya

Soya beans are an excellent source of protein but the agricultural industry has also become reliant on these beans for animal feed. The drive to produce greater amounts of cheap meat and dairy is accelerating climate change and destroying forests.

Sustainable fishing

To keep our oceans healthy, we need to use fishing methods that keep fish stocks sturdy and protect other marine creatures.

Plastic pollution

Plastic is everywhere. Useful and convenient, it’s also a massive pollution problem, especially in our oceans. We need to solve this problem at the source, and produce less plastic in the first place.

Ocean sanctuaries

Our oceans harbour incredible wildlife, provide food for billions and help balance our climate. To keep them healthy, we need a global network of ocean sanctuaries. These will help protect oceans from overfishing, oil drilling and plastic pollution.

Oil drilling and pipelines

Our world runs on oil – you could even say we’re addicted to it. But using all this oil is causing climate change and threatening our future.

Palm oil

The palm oil industry is responsible for destroying Indonesia’s forests. We need to change the industry and stop palm oil companies destroying forests.

Renewable energy

Clean, renewable energy is a vital tool in our plans to reduce the worst effects of climate change. Replacing fossil fuels with wind and solar to power our homes and businesses will dramatically cut our greenhouse gas emissions.

Air pollution

Air pollution is choking our cities and causing a global health crisis. But switching to electric vehicles can help provide us with cleaner air and slash carbon emissions.

Air travel

Air travel has opened up our world, but it’s flying is also one of the most polluting ways to travel. We need to make train travel cheaper and more efficient, and contain demand for flying.

Coal

Coal is the dirtiest, most polluting way of producing energy. But a global movement is demanding an end to our use of coal - and it’s working.

half under water half above water shot of iceberg

Protect the Antarctic

Whales, seals and penguins feast in the Antarctic’s Southern Ocean but commercial fishing and climate change pose a threat. So we need to create a giant ocean sanctuary to protect the Antarctic.

Arctic

The Arctic is changing fast, and the ice around the North Pole is melting. We need to put the brakes on climate change and protect the Arctic Ocean from drilling and overfishing.

$"frack free zone" sign hanging on Blackpool pier$

Fracking

With ‘easy to reach’ oil and gas running out, fracking has been pushed as a way to plug the gap. But climate change means we can’t afford to dig up yet more polluting fuels.

Whales

Whales are magnificent creatures, but they also play an important role in keeping our oceans healthy.

Person with "No nuclear" symbol on their sunglasses

Nuclear energy

Nuclear power is touted as a solution to our energy problems, but it's complex, expensive and creates huge amounts of hazardous waste. Renewable energy is cheaper and can be installed quickly.

Peace

There has been some progress towards ridding the world of nuclear weapons. But conventional wars still trap millions of people in ugly conflicts. For a truly peaceful planet, we need to focus on more peaceful objectives such as renewable energy and responding to the climate emergency.