It’s been moving reading your replies. And as many of you shared how you first got involved, here's my story in return:
As a young child, I was fortunate to live in nature, with rivers, forests, hills, and ocean to explore. But back then, I didn’t know how vulnerable all this was.
In 1969 my world was rocked when the Los Angeles Times printed a photograph from Ohio, showing the Cuyahoga River on fire.
That fire, caused by industrial pollution in the river, felt to me like an apocalyptic moment, inspiring me to become an active ecologist. When I left the US in protest against runaway militarism, I moved to Canada where I met other peace and ecology activists who went on to form Greenpeace.
Together, we felt that the world needed a global ecology movement. And though we hoped this movement would expand around the world, I don't think any of us imagined the strength of support we'd eventually see.
Today, our planet faces unprecedented challenges. We're up against power structures that will continue to wreak havoc on the environment if we don’t take action. But together, there are millions of us around the world pushing back. United, we’re stronger than they’ll ever be. And together, we can build a better future for generations to come.
Thank you again for helping give our fragile Earth a voice.
Peace,
Rex Weyler
Greenpeace International co-founder
Here’s the email I sent a few weeks back, in case you missed it:
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Hi John,
Greenpeace is about to mark a big moment -- turning 50. And as someone who was lucky enough to be there from the very start, I can say with certainty that we couldn't have predicted the scale of things to come.
Over fifty years, we’ve come face to face with whalers, stood in the way of nuclear weapons tests, and taken on the worst polluting companies on our planet -- and won.
As one of Greenpeace’s co-founders, it’s been a privilege to have been there in the early days. So today it’s on me to use that privilege to ask you for your help, John.
Humanity’s response to the climate and ecological crises we face today will not only shape our own future, it will shape countless generations to come. That’s why I’m writing to you now. To thank you for everything you’ve done to fight for a more green, peaceful, and just future. But also to ask if you can help Greenpeace redouble its efforts.
Greenpeace relies on the generous support of individuals giving what they can. We’ve never taken money from big businesses or governments. Instead we’re fuelled by contributions from people like you.
Today our planet faces unprecedented emergencies, but you make sure we can fight harder than ever by funding Greenpeace’s work. Every contribution really does help. So if you’re able to right now, please sign up to give monthly here:
