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What the World Needs Now from the Environmental Movement

Kumi Naidoo, Greenpeace International

/KumiNaidoo

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Key global challenges

• Democratic deficit• Global governance• Social exclusion• Role of civil society• War on terror (curtailment of international civic

mobility)• Climate & environmental crisis

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A perfect storm: convergence of multiple crises

Source: NASA

Climate change

Biodiversity loss

Deforestation

Ocean Acidification Overfishing

Pesticide use

…with deep social, environmental and economic injustice

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40 Years of Inspiring Action (Video)

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Antonio Gramsci (1981-1937)

“I’m a pessimist because of intelligence, but an

optimist because of will.”

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Intensify the Energy Revolution Campaign

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Defend our Oceans

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Protect our forests

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Case study: Mattel (Barbie) (Video)

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Case study: Nestlé (Kit Kat) (Video)

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Ecological farming

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Save the Arctic (or what’s left of it)

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Detox our water

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What needs to change?

• Change the narrative – Environmentalism in the past vs. environmentalism now

and in the future– Profile of the environmental movement: privilege vs.

necessity

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What needs to change?

• Give up territorial space (re-frame issues more broadly)

• Better work in alliances (labour unions, religious organizations, women’s movement, indigenous groups)

• Broaden constituency and embrace unusual suspects

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What the world needs from the environmental movement NOW

• Realistic optimism• Principle courage (civil disobedience) • Approach based on intersectionality• Humanizing the environment • Broaden constituency• Become smarter in our engagement of the business sector• Speak truth to power irrespective of how uncomfortable and

without exaggeration• Have the courage to not simply think out of the box, but be

willing to throw away the box altogether• Align ecology, economy and equity• Consolidation of the movement• No more talking, act now!

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You don’ have to join us to join us (Video)

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Thank you!

Please stay in touch:

/NaidooKumi/KumiNaidoo